Two of college football's most storied programs are preparing to go head-to-head in this year's Sugar Bowl down in New Orleans. Alabama and Oklahoma have the history to make them two of the greatest programs in the NCAA making this SEC, Big 12 BCS showdown one to watch.
Oklahoma is thrilled to be in a BCS bowl after finishing 10-2 on the season and ranked No. 11 despite questionable play at the quarterback position. For Alabama, the Sugar Bowl is merely a letdown after a crushing loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl dashed the hopes of a possible third-straight national championship title. Despite the letdown, the Tide players insist they are fired up to face Oklahoma and get one more win on the season.
The Sugar Bowl marks the final game for Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. The senior will finish as one of the most successful quarterbacks to play for the Tide after winning two national titles, the Maxwell Award, the Johnny Unitas Award and the runner-up to the Heisman Trophy. He finished the regular season with 20 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Alabama will hope to capitalize on an inconsistent Sooners defense that gave up more than 480 yards in the last seven games. Wide receivers like Amari Cooper will try and test the cornerbacks while the three-headed rushing attack of TJ Yeldon, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake will take care of the ground work.
Oklahoma's season has been headlined by their quarterback rotation. The season-long carousel of Trevor Knight, Blake Bell and Kendal Thompson has left the offense sputtering at times. Knight started but was injured. Bell played seven games, tossing for 413 yards before getting injured. He dropped two games against Texas and Baylor. Head coach Bob Stoops said the decision of a starter would be a game-time call.
Bell might have the best chance against Alabama. He is the better dual-threat option which gives the Tide headaches. He averaged 7.1 yards on 62 carries this season. Some have compared him to a Johnny Manziel or Nick Marshall with the way he improvises. Oklahoma will try and capitalize on that effort.
Alabama is looking to avoid a repeat of their last Sugar Bowl trip. The team lost to Florida in the 2008 SEC championship game, only to follow that up with a loss to Utah in the bowl game. The Tide insist they are excited to face Oklahoma who is aiming to seek revenge on the SEC after losing to Texas A&M last season in the Cotton Bowl.
