Alabama bounced back from arguably the worst offensive quarter in team history against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Tuesday, turning a ridiculous football performance into a competitive game in about five minutes.

Kalen DeBoer’s offense completed 15 plays for -2 yards in the first quarter, had three fumbles (two lost) and one interception. Jalen Milroe had three turnovers alone.

“Obviously we dug ourselves a hole there early,” DeBoer told the Crimson Tide Sports Network at halftime. “It was a crazy rain there, but there are no excuses. We discovered some points.”

After the initial hemorrhage, the tide calmed down in the final six minutes of the second quarter. By the end of the half, the Tide had accumulated 10 points and 163 total yards while holding Michigan to 109 yards.

“The defense does a good job of keeping them in check,” DeBoer said. “We have to be prepared for some trick plays and gimmick plays. They have to make some explosive plays.”

With 5:56 left, Alabama took over at its 29-yard line. Rico Scott carried the ball 28 yards before CJ Dippre caught a pass, recovered a fumble and right tackle Elijah Pritchett recovered. Then Jalen Milroe hits Robbie Ouzts for a 25-yard TD pass.

With 58 seconds left, Alabama completed a 41-yard run to the Michigan 46-yard line. On the next play, Milroe found Germie Bernard, who reached to the 6. Graham Nicholson scored a 24-yard field goal to make it 16:10.

“Offensively, we have to keep going,” DeBoer said. “It was a great ride (in the end). They showed a lot of heart and soul.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app.