6-6 (3-5), 5th Big 12 - South Division
vs
6-6 (2-6), 4th Southeastern - West
The Independence Bowl matches up two teams with 6-6 records, yah pretty exciting here. In the Red Corner we have the team without a coach, the Alabama Crimson Tide. You would have to live in a cave to not hear about the Tide's coaching search. First they thought they had Steve Spurrier, then Rich Rodriquez, next they thought they were going to woo Nick Saban away from the Miami Dolphins. But as of now they do not have a coach to replace Mike Shula.
The Tide come into this bowl game with a 3 game losing streak, and 4 losses in their last 5 games. They do play in arguably the toughest conference in the country but in their six wins, only 1 (Hawaii) has come against a bowl team. There have been a lot of distractions for these kids, and you have to wonder if they are focused on this game with all the uncertainty that surrounds their team.
John Parker Wilson is the man under center and threw for 2500 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. WR DJ Hall caught over 1000 yards from Wilson and proved to be his favorite target. In the backfield though, Ken Darby has been a bit of a disappointment. Most thought Darby would have a breakout year but he only rushed for a little over 800 yards and did not have a rushing touchdown all year.
Oklahoma State also comes into the bowl game on a losing streak. The Cowboys have lost their last 2 and 3 of their last 4 games. If you could pick one big win for the Cowboys, it would be their 41-29 victory over Nebraska.
There is no lack of offensive power at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys average over 200 yards passing and rushing per game. Bobby Reid has thrown for over 2000 yards this season with 23 touchdowns. He has also added over 400 yards on the ground. Keep an eye out for WR Adarius Bowman. He is a difference maker. Bowman has over 1100 yards in the receiving column, with 11 touchdown catches. The Tide are going to have a tough time covering him. In the backfield Dantrell Savage, Keith Toston, and Mike Hamilton are all capable of carrying the load.
The Tide have too many off the field distractions to be fully prepared for this game. I really believe that the Cowboys balance on offense will be the difference in this game. They have too many playmakers for the Tide to keep track of. For Alabama to win they must establish Ken Darby and eat up the clock, keeping the powerful Cowboy's offense off the field. When the dust settles I see a Cowboy victory.
Oklahoma State 35-14
Brian -
Oklahoma State
Husker Mike -
Oklahoma State
Ron -
Oklahoma State
Mountain Lair -
Alabama
Mr. Cornnation -
Oklahoma State
Brian from CFR-
Alabama
Charlie -
Oklahoma State
Chris -
Otto-
Alabama
Mrs. Cornnation -
Oklahoma State
