While the BCS has been an undisputed source of a national champion for 10 years, this year is the third time the BCS Championship is a separate game at a location of one of the four BCS bowl games. This season Miami welcomes the two worst teams in the BCS on New Year's Day in Cincinnati and Virginia Tech, but then the top two teams in the country in this game. While there may be some controversy about the inclusion of Oklahoma over Texas, these are the conference champions of the best two conferences in college football. Will the SEC make it 3 for 3 in the BCS Championship?
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP - Oklahoma vs Florida
January 8 - 7:00 PM CST FOX TV - Miami, FL
The matchup...
The script almost could not be written better. The SEC versus the Big XII. High powered offenses on both sides. The current Heisman winner against last year's Heisman winner. Two coaches who have won BCS Championships once before. Despite the controversy present seemingly every year in the BCS, this matchup is a dream for college football fans.
Each team also clearly dominated when it matters most, the final two months of the season. Oklahoma overcame the early loss to Texas to roll through a series of tough opponents in Texas Tech, Missouri, and Oklahoma State. Florida recovered from a shocking home loss against Mississippi to maul every single team remaining on their schedule, capping the season with a fourth quarter comeback and domination of previously unbeaten Alabama. Now these powerhouse programs meet for the crystal football.
When Oklahoma has the ball...
The Sooners scored an incredible 702 points in 13 games, nabbing over 60 points in their last four contests. QB Sam Bradford earned the Heisman by throwing for nearly 4500 yards and 48 touchdowns against a lowly 6 interceptions. Four wide receivers are true threats in Juaquin Iglesias, Jermain Gresham, Manuel Johnson, and Ryan Broyles. Oklahoma obviously did not roll up all those points by being one-dimensional. The rushing attack is also strong with Chris Brown and Mossis Madu in this game, thanks to DeMarco Murray's ruptured hamstring forcing him out of this title match. Bradford will have all the weapons he needs in this shootout.
Florida plays hard-nosed defense under Urban Meyer, which is what led them to a national title two seasons ago. Last season Florida struggled because the defense had not jelled, but this season the Gators are holding opponents under 13 points per game. Safety Ahmad Black and cornerback Joe Haden are each huge threats to up Bradford's interception numbers if he gets careless. Furthermore, LB Brandon Spikes will disrupt everything Oklahoma will try to do. In a game where defensive stops will come at a premium, Florida has the defense to get the job done.
When Florida has the ball...
The only thing better than a current Heisman winner could very well be a previous Heisman winner. QB Tim Tebow did not have the monster stats from a year ago, but nobody doubts that Tebow had much more around him this season and that allowed him to mature into a game manager. Tebow is a threat to run the ball just as much as pass, but the key to the Florida offense is the decisionmaking of Tebow. WR Percy Harvin will be Tebow's primary focus, but Tebow and Chris Rainey should not be ignored in the rushing game. There's a lot of ground for the OU defense to cover.
Thankfully for Oklahoma, their defense is used to great offenses in the Big XII. However, Oklahoma may not be able to just outscore this opponent. The key will be holding Florida down early, as Tebow and company will wear the defense down and charge in the second half. The Sooners play as a unit defensively and create a lot of turnovers by bringing pressure. Look for Bob Stoops to continue this rushing strategy to try and contain Tim Tebow and disrupt his decisionmaking.
Special Teams and Coaching...
Jonathan Phillips handles the kicking duties for the Gators, but he has not really been tested in 2008. Only 11/12 overall on field goals and 1/2 from over 40 yards, Florida should not rely on Phillips if at all possible. Jimmy Stevens is even less consistent for the Sooners at 8/11 field goals. Furthermore, Stevens has missed five PAT's this season. Each team will have to get within the red zone to feel comfortable about a field goal try, but this game will likely not be won with kicking and punting.
For the first time, we are guaranteed a coach will win his second BCS Championship. Urban Meyer is the next big thing, leading his Gators through the minefield of the SEC for the second time in three seasons with a strong defense. Bob Stoops has not been hugely successful on this level since 1999, but Big Game Bob has been in 3 BCS Championships already. There's really no edge here, as both coaches are experienced and capable of inspiring a game-changing performance.
Star watch...
With DeMarco Murray sitting this one out on the sidelines, there's no good choice for Oklahoma other than your Heisman winner Sam Bradford. Bradford will face his stiffest test of the season in the Florida defense, and he will need to stay away from mistakes in this battle. Bradford hopes to avoid what Troy Smith experienced two years ago, that being the blitz-happy disruption of Urban Meyer's defense. Bradford faces a tall task, but he has stepped up so far.
On the Florida side, the superstar is also the Heisman winner, Tim Tebow. Teboew runs the spread option with masterful decisionmaking and a level of toughness not seen in any championship quarterback since maybe Craig Krenzel. Tebow is a proven winner and would love to have his second championship ring this season. Tebow is the emotional leader of his team as well, so look for him to inspire both the offense and the defense to new heights in this game.
Deciding factor...
This game will likely end up with the winner above 40 points, if not 50 or 60. However, there will be some defense in this game. The only noticeable edge is on the defensive side of the ball, where Florida has played better all season. While Oklahoma should get a slight pass for playing in the Big XII, Florida stopped elite teams whereas Oklahoma did not. Florida will get one or two important defensive stops and pull ahead by a margin that will hold throughout most of the game. Florida wins with defense.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2008 Bowl Previews: Sugar
Over the years of the BCS, the Sugar Bowl has seen its fair share of great matchups. Having a tie-in with the consistent best conference in college football helps quite a bit. Even with the SEC Champion heading to the BCS Championship for the third straight year, New Orleans will be hosting a SEC team for the ninth straight year. The SEC teams have been dominant, going 6-2 over that stretch, including last year's blowout of Georgia over Hawaii.
SUGAR BOWL - Utah vs Alabama
January 2 - 7:00 PM CST FOX TV - New Orleans, LA
The matchup...
This season may look like a repear of last season, as the Sugar Bowl gets "stuck" with the undefeated non-BCS team. However, Utah is a huge step ahead of Hawaii of 2007. Utah started the season with a bang in Michigan Stadium, and knocked off very high quality opposition in TCU, BYU, and Air Force. Utah also went undefeated in 2004, winning the Fiesta Bowl. The Utes will not be taken lightly as the program competes with Boise State as the best non=BCS program in the country.
The SEC representative is the SEC Championship loser for the third straight year, but Alabama was undefeated going into the loss against Florida. The Crimson Tide also opened with a bang by surprising the country with a bashing of Clemson. Alabama then proceeded to knockout every serious opponent early in games until a late-season survival of overtime against LSU. Alabama has been to 13 Sugar Bowls and their most recent trip capped off the 1992 National Championship. Nick Saban hopes to create more good memories by knocking off the last remaining undefeated team in college football.
When Utah has the ball...
The Utes bring a good scoring offense into this game, regularly hitting the 40 point mark in 2008. Quarterback Brian Johnson was the offensive MVP in the MWC this season, throwing for 2636 yards and 24 touchdowns. Utah also brings two very talented running backs into this game, Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack. Still, the Utah offense moves by the passing game most of the time.
Alabama brings one of the best defenses in the country to stop this potent Utah offense. Statistically in the top 10 of most major categories, Alabama is led by DL Terrence Cody and LB Rolando McClain. Cody did not have amazing statistics, but his effect on offensive lines is obvious as he disrupts many plays. The Utah offensive line will be a little overmatched, which could lead to some turnovers or bad decisions out of Johnson.
When Alabama has the ball...
Alabama was pretty potent on offense themselves, netting over 31 points per game. QB John Parker Wilson does not carry the load, but he manages the Saban gameplan nicely and has limited his mistakes this season. WR Julio Jones does give Utah's pass defense something to worry about, but the key will be Alabama's strong rushing attack led by RB Glen Coffee. Coffee will set a school single-season record if he has a decent game against Utah, but his backup Mark Ingram is just as dangerous.
Utah had a solid defense themselves, holding opponents under an avaerage of two touchdowns a game. DE Paul Kruger led the team with 5.5 sacks this season, and he will certainly cause havoc for the Alabama offensive line. Utah was a good team at stopping the run this season, so this battle will be won in the trenches and the lines. Utah's defense will have to stay aware of the passing game though, as Wilson can throw accuratley downfield.
Special Teams and Coaching...
If there's one aspect of the Sugar Bowl where Utah has a marked advantage, it is special teams. Louie Sakoda handles both the punting and kicking duties, and he perhaps is the best kicker in the country. Sakoda punted for an average over 40 yards a punt, regularly pinning the opposition within the 20 yard line. In the kicking game, Sakoda is almost perfect at 21/23 in field goals and 52/53 in PAT's. Alabama has a serviceable long distance kicker in Leigh Tiffin and a decent punter in P.J. Fitzgerald, but Sakoda could be the difference in a defensive slugfest.
Although many view Utah as a stepping stone program to other jobs, fourth-year coach Kyle Wittingham does not view it that way. Wittingham is very happy dominating in his own conference after taking over from Urban Meyer, and Utah does have the BCS opportunities to make this job a good one. Nick Saban turned around Alabama in year 2, much quicker than expected. Saban is a coaching legend at the college ranks, and he will have the Crimson Tide ready. While the Sugar Bowl might be a disappointment for them, the Alabama fans have enough perspective to enjoy their first trip to New Orleans in 15 years. Slight edge to Saban in this coaching duel.
Star watch...
For Alabama, the star to watch is RB Glen Coffee. Coffee is a brusier in a speed conference, proving that a powerful defense and a strong running game can take a team far in the SEC again. Coffee will set school records this season, and his talent will be fun to watch on the BCS spotlight stage.
For Utah, the king is Louie Sakoda. Not often do you have a special teams player that is so talented at the different arts of punting and kicking. Sakoda is comfortable under the pressure of fourth downs, having been on the field for almost every single one this season. Sakoda could be a high draft pick down the road, and this will be a good chance to improve his future stock.
Deciding factor...
On paper, this looks like a game that will be a 13-9 kind of slugfest. Still, these teams have had a long time to scheme offensively and come up with something that will work against the tough defenses. If the game is very low-scoring, then Louie Sakoda will be the difference. Sadly, bowl games almost never go to plan. this one becomes more of an offensive show than expected, and Utah will not be able to score more than 24 on the Alabama defense. Alabama wins with superior line play, but this game will not get out of hand.
SUGAR BOWL - Utah vs Alabama
January 2 - 7:00 PM CST FOX TV - New Orleans, LA
The matchup...
This season may look like a repear of last season, as the Sugar Bowl gets "stuck" with the undefeated non-BCS team. However, Utah is a huge step ahead of Hawaii of 2007. Utah started the season with a bang in Michigan Stadium, and knocked off very high quality opposition in TCU, BYU, and Air Force. Utah also went undefeated in 2004, winning the Fiesta Bowl. The Utes will not be taken lightly as the program competes with Boise State as the best non=BCS program in the country.
The SEC representative is the SEC Championship loser for the third straight year, but Alabama was undefeated going into the loss against Florida. The Crimson Tide also opened with a bang by surprising the country with a bashing of Clemson. Alabama then proceeded to knockout every serious opponent early in games until a late-season survival of overtime against LSU. Alabama has been to 13 Sugar Bowls and their most recent trip capped off the 1992 National Championship. Nick Saban hopes to create more good memories by knocking off the last remaining undefeated team in college football.
When Utah has the ball...
The Utes bring a good scoring offense into this game, regularly hitting the 40 point mark in 2008. Quarterback Brian Johnson was the offensive MVP in the MWC this season, throwing for 2636 yards and 24 touchdowns. Utah also brings two very talented running backs into this game, Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack. Still, the Utah offense moves by the passing game most of the time.
Alabama brings one of the best defenses in the country to stop this potent Utah offense. Statistically in the top 10 of most major categories, Alabama is led by DL Terrence Cody and LB Rolando McClain. Cody did not have amazing statistics, but his effect on offensive lines is obvious as he disrupts many plays. The Utah offensive line will be a little overmatched, which could lead to some turnovers or bad decisions out of Johnson.
When Alabama has the ball...
Alabama was pretty potent on offense themselves, netting over 31 points per game. QB John Parker Wilson does not carry the load, but he manages the Saban gameplan nicely and has limited his mistakes this season. WR Julio Jones does give Utah's pass defense something to worry about, but the key will be Alabama's strong rushing attack led by RB Glen Coffee. Coffee will set a school single-season record if he has a decent game against Utah, but his backup Mark Ingram is just as dangerous.
Utah had a solid defense themselves, holding opponents under an avaerage of two touchdowns a game. DE Paul Kruger led the team with 5.5 sacks this season, and he will certainly cause havoc for the Alabama offensive line. Utah was a good team at stopping the run this season, so this battle will be won in the trenches and the lines. Utah's defense will have to stay aware of the passing game though, as Wilson can throw accuratley downfield.
Special Teams and Coaching...
If there's one aspect of the Sugar Bowl where Utah has a marked advantage, it is special teams. Louie Sakoda handles both the punting and kicking duties, and he perhaps is the best kicker in the country. Sakoda punted for an average over 40 yards a punt, regularly pinning the opposition within the 20 yard line. In the kicking game, Sakoda is almost perfect at 21/23 in field goals and 52/53 in PAT's. Alabama has a serviceable long distance kicker in Leigh Tiffin and a decent punter in P.J. Fitzgerald, but Sakoda could be the difference in a defensive slugfest.
Although many view Utah as a stepping stone program to other jobs, fourth-year coach Kyle Wittingham does not view it that way. Wittingham is very happy dominating in his own conference after taking over from Urban Meyer, and Utah does have the BCS opportunities to make this job a good one. Nick Saban turned around Alabama in year 2, much quicker than expected. Saban is a coaching legend at the college ranks, and he will have the Crimson Tide ready. While the Sugar Bowl might be a disappointment for them, the Alabama fans have enough perspective to enjoy their first trip to New Orleans in 15 years. Slight edge to Saban in this coaching duel.
Star watch...
For Alabama, the star to watch is RB Glen Coffee. Coffee is a brusier in a speed conference, proving that a powerful defense and a strong running game can take a team far in the SEC again. Coffee will set school records this season, and his talent will be fun to watch on the BCS spotlight stage.
For Utah, the king is Louie Sakoda. Not often do you have a special teams player that is so talented at the different arts of punting and kicking. Sakoda is comfortable under the pressure of fourth downs, having been on the field for almost every single one this season. Sakoda could be a high draft pick down the road, and this will be a good chance to improve his future stock.
Deciding factor...
On paper, this looks like a game that will be a 13-9 kind of slugfest. Still, these teams have had a long time to scheme offensively and come up with something that will work against the tough defenses. If the game is very low-scoring, then Louie Sakoda will be the difference. Sadly, bowl games almost never go to plan. this one becomes more of an offensive show than expected, and Utah will not be able to score more than 24 on the Alabama defense. Alabama wins with superior line play, but this game will not get out of hand.
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