Independence Bowl: Alabama vs. Colorado

Teams: Alabama vs. Colorado
Date: Dec. 30, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

Analysis
Nick Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa didn’t quite turn out as the Alabama faithful were expecting and the season ended with a disappointing four losses in a row – including a 21-14 defeat against UL Monroe. On the other hand, the Colorado sideline is a completely different story. The Buffaloes suffered through a dismal 2-10 record last season, but rebounded to 6-6 under second-year coach Dan Hawkins.

Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson has endured a four-game stretch that he would like to forget. During the Crimson Tide’s four-game losing streak, Wilson has thrown six interceptions and is completing 48 percent of his passes. With the junior quarterback struggling, the rushing attack is crucial to the success of this offense. However, running back Terry Grant has only three 100-yard performances this season and battled a hip injury late in the year. If Wilson can eliminate mistakes, he should be able to take advantage of a struggling Colorado secondary – allowing over 260 yards per game.

Buffaloes quarterback Cody Hawkins took his share of lumps this season, but continued to show improvement and tied the school record for most consecutive 200-yard passing games with six. The redshirt freshman did not throw an interception in the final two games of the season, but the Crimson Tide secondary has allowed only two quarterbacks to throw for more than 250 yards in a game this year. With a young quarterback starting in his first bowl game, running back Hugh Charles – who is closing in on 1,000 yards – will play a key role.

The Crimson Tide played in this bowl game last season, while Colorado is making their first bowl trip since the 2005 season. The key to this game could come down to the turnover battle. The Buffaloes have lost 25 on the season and the Crimson Tide have turned it over 18 – but nine in their last four games.

Breakdown: Alabama
Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Distance to Shreveport: 400 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 30–23–1
2007 Season: 6–6, 4–4 SEC

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 60 (151)
Pass Offense: 60 (222)
Scoring Offense: 65 (27)
Rush Defense: 34 (128)
Pass Defense: 39 (213)
Scoring Defense: 29 (22)
Turnover Margin: 32 (0.33)

Additional Notes:
Alabama will be making its 55th bowl appearance in the 2007 Independence Bowl, which is a NCAA record, and they will be playing a Big 12 opponent for the third consecutive season … The Crimson Tide have lost four out of their last six bowl games … Receiver D.J. Hall owns three of Alabama’s top ten single-game receiving yards performances … Led by defensive end Wallace Gilberry, the Crimson Tide ranked first in the SEC in most tackles for loss per game.

Breakdown: Colorado
Campus Location: Boulder, Colo.
Distance to Shreveport: 1,058 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 12–15
2007 Season: 6–6, 4–4 Big 12

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 63 (150)
Pass Offense: 56 (227)
Scoring Offense: 63 (28)
Rush Defense: 32 (128)
Pass Defense: 101 (262)
Scoring Defense: 78 (29)
Turnover Margin: 83 (0.33)

Additional Notes:
This will be Colorado’s first appearance in the Independence Bowl … The Buffaloes have lost three out of their last four bowl games … Quarterback Cody Hawkins has attempted 424 passes this season, which is a Colorado record for attempts in a season … Linebacker Jordon Dizon won the 2007 Big 12 Conference Player-of-the-Year award, after totaling 149 tackles and four sacks.
 
Prediction: Alabama by 3

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