[rmjvol]

Alabama's football team will play the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2006 PetroSun Independence Bowl. Everybody's favorite AD, Mal Moore, accepted the Indepenence Bowl bid.

Records
Alabama is 6-6 overall and 2-6 in the SEC.
Oklahoma State Cowboys are also 6-6 overall. They are 3-5 in the Big 12 conference

Date/Time/TV
Thursday, December 28
3:30 p.m. (CST)
Independence Bowl Stadium in Shreveport, La.
ESPN.

This will be the 54th bowl game for Alabama. No other NCAA team can match that mark. This is the 1st meeting between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Cowboys represent the Crimson Tide’s 33rd different bowl opponent. In addition, Alabama has played a Big 12 foe in three of its last four bowl games, dating back to the 2001 Independence Bowl.

Predictions/Comments
Tell us what you think about Alabama's chances in the Independence Bowl.
What has to happen for the Tide to win this one?
What's the biggest challenges they'll face against OK State?
And what do you think will be the score?

[SunRae]

Hey rmjvol! I think Bama's chances are pretty good against Oklahoma State...as long as they don't "play down to the team they're playing" and they don't quit playing after 2 1/2 to 3 quarters. With all the turmoil they're going through right now, I hope they come out with a chip on their shoulder...and they keep up the fight 'til the end.

[EmpireWF]

I don't like Oklahoma State all that much, while Alabama should play well. I'll go with Alabama in a relatively close game.

Who will be coaching the bowl game?

[SunRae]

As far as I know, it will be Joe Kines (interim HC).

[bmcklv]

Lots of If's here. Bama should be healthy. Rader has to open up the offense. If he does then there are plenty of weapons in the arsenal. If the o-line can keep JPW on his feet throughout the game he can hook up regularly with Brown/Hall/Stover. If they make their catches it will make big holes for Darby to go through. If Darby sees the holes he can break off some long runs. He wants and needs to finish his career in a big way in order to make it to the NFL. I don't think there are many ifs on the defensive side of the pigskin, so it basically will come down to Rader's play-calling, and the team's preperation. They may be rusty after the layoff, but so should OSU. Reports from CJK and the players indicate that the focus is sharp and that they are ready to prove something. The last if, IF there's anything that's certain about me, it's my faith in the Tide to get the job done. I say it will be a solid victory 31-10 Bama.

Roll Tide Roll

[GaBamaGirl]

I was planning to go to the game, but couldn't work out babysitting arrangements. I feel certain Bama will pony up and win this one. We are playing for a whole lot more than just another bowl game victory. Pride is a great motivator!

[OswaldTheOsprey]

A crappy bowl for a crappy team! War Damn Eagle! Go UAB Blazers!

OswaldTheOsprey

Oswald, just shows you ARE an Auburn fan. You havnt won enough to learn to have class! Even when we are down, as we are now, Bama first and foremost shows class! Remember respect has to be earned and like your couch Tubby you dont know how to show class in victory! But not to worry this chapter will be short lived and class will rule the day again! Roll Tide!

[OswaldTheOsprey]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Oswald, just shows you ARE an Auburn fan. You havnt won enough to learn to have class! Even when we are down, as we are now, Bama first and foremost shows class! Remember respect has to be earned and like your couch Tubby you dont know how to show class in victory! But not to worry this chapter will be short lived and class will rule the day again! Roll Tide!

Class-as in throwing a brick through Bill Curry's window?

OswaldTheOsprey

[rmjvol]

While the "crappy bowl for a crappy team" wasn't exactly a love offering toward the Tide, it was on topic with this thread. Let's try to keep the discussion on Alabama's Independence Bowl appearance & not head off in other directions.

I see Oklahoma State is favored to win this game. Anybody know the point spread for the Independence Bowl?

[SunRae]

Hi, rmjvol! The point spread is OSU -2, UA +2 (on 4 of the sites that I looked at); msnbc has OSU by 2.5 as the opening point spread (and the prediction is UA: 27 - OSU: 24 with JPW as the MVP).

[BAMABIG]

I think the Tide will be motivated to assure their prospects that they still want to come to Alabama. The TIDE will ROLL!

[rolltide94]

Alabama will win the Independence Bowl for two reasons. 1st for Coach Kines, he has motivated the team once again and it will show on Offence and when the "O" is operating, then the defense can open up with out all the pressure of trying to keep the game close. 2nd for the seniors. They have indured a lot while at Bama. I don't believe Coach Kines will start all the players in their original positions nor is OC Coach Radar, they saw some problems with the "O" line and they will adjust the front line to give Parker the time to throw and open up holes for the running game. Alabama can drive the ball as good as anyone in College but the Red Zone has been their problem area. "Run it up the middle with darby" hasn't worked as it shows with Darby not producing a single rushing touchdown all season. Look for playaction pass to the back corner of the end zone to Hall and Johs at QB option, "Florida's Tebo" type of plays.
"RAMA JAMA GIVE"EM HELL ALABAMA"

[Stoney]

The first series will determine the game if Alabama comes out flat you might as well turn the channel. This was the ear mark of the season either they will win big or get blown out. It is quite possible the players will be on thier A-game considering it is a final game for some of the players and coaches. If Saban announces he's coming it will give the team a great boost.

[rmjvol]

Anybody watching the game?

Down by 7. 24-17. 3rd quarter, looking like Bama's still in it.