Sugar Bowl a decent consolation prize for Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl weren't the original goal, but a worthy consolation prize.
The third-ranked Alabama football team returns to the Sugar Bowl to conclude the season for the first time since the 2008 season in a losing effort to Utah.
Alabama finished the season ranked third in the Bowl Championship Series standings, released Sunday night, behind No. 1 Florida State and No. 2 Auburn, who will play for the national championship.
"Every bowl game is an opportunity for your team to prove who they are," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "You want to play for your seniors. They have had a great career. There's some disappointment in how we finished the season (with the Iron Bowl loss), but we are not disappointed in playing the Sugar Bowl and a great team. Hopefully, we can prove what kind of team we are."
The Sugar Bowl selected the Crimson Tide as a replacement for SEC champion Auburn. The conference has an agreement to send its champion to the game if possible.
Alabama will face No. 10 Oklahoma, the runner-up in the Big 12 Conference, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in the Superdome.
"We're very pleased to have the opportunity to host these two outstanding teams in this year's Allstate Sugar Bowl," Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan said. "The Sugar Bowl Committee has worked hard over the years to present outstanding matchups that produce thrilling games. This year's game features two of the winningest programs in the history of college football, not to mention two of the most successful coaches in the country. We have little doubt that this game will produce another memorable chapter in the great history of the Sugar Bowl."
Oklahoma (10-2) tied for second in its conference with losses to Texas and Baylor. They won the tiebreaker being higher in the BCS standings.
The Sooners will make their seventh appearance in the game, the most by any non-SEC school, and have a 4-2 record.
"Anytime you are in these BCS bowls, it's a positive," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "This is what the players hear about and talk about it. It's always a plus to be in one. Players recognize your name is not drawn out of a hat. It comes from winning, and we're are fortunate to play in another one."
The last time the Sooners were in the Sugar Bowl was in 2004, a game that doubled as the national championship game. LSU won that contest 21-14.
Oklahoma played in three straight Sugar Bowls from 1949-51, winning the first two. They won the Jan. 1, 1972, game and Dec. 31, 1972, game.
"We are revved and excited to be chosen by the Sugar Bowl and have the opportunity to compete against a great opponent in Alabama," Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. "This is a great traditional matchup when you look at what the two teams have accomplished on the football field. It's an honor to be in the game. We'll prepare the best we can and put on a good show for the city of New Orleans."
Alabama (11-1) has played in the Sugar Bowl 13 times, more than any other postseason game, and has a 8-5 record. That's the most Sugar Bowl wins of any other team.
Oklahoma and Alabama have played four times before with the Sooners leading the series 2-1-1. They won regular season games 37-27 in 2002 and 20-13 in 2003. Alabama won 17-0 in 1963 in the Orange Bowl and they tied at 24 in 1970 Bluebonnet Bowl.
"It is going to be exciting for us to go to New Orleans and play in another BCS bowl game," Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley said. "I grew up in Mobile so it will be great to play my final game at Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, so close to my friends and family. That being said, we are going there to win a football game and that has to be our mindset. I know we are looking forward to the challenge."
Alabama comes into the game looking to finish the season strong after a last-second loss to Auburn on Nov. 30. The Crimson Tide had been on track to play for the national title.
Oklahoma has won three straight games, including a 33-24 rivalry win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.
"I know Alabama and the Sugar Bowl have a rich tradition together, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to play such a tremendous program like the University of Oklahoma," Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron said. "The Sugar Bowl gives us a chance to play our final game together on one of the grandest stages college football has to offer."
Cliff Kirkpatrick also writes for The Montgomery Advertiser.