[sportsfan2006]

By Jeff Zell
Inspin.com/WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Who: Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Alabama (6-6)
Where: Shreveport, La.
When: Today, 4:30 (ESPN)
WagerWeb.com line: OSU -2 (51)

Matchup: Alabama’s Mike Shula is out, and defensive coordinator Joe Kines is coaching Alabama’s NCAA record 54th bowl appearance. Second-year head coach Mike Gundy is heading to his first bowl with Oklahoma State. This is the first meeting in the two schools' history.


Why Oklahoma State Wins: The Cowboys' record doesn’t indicate how close they are to being really good. Four games were decided on the final play, and the six teams that have defeated Oklahoma State are a combined 53-21 and are all headed to bowl games. The Cowboys have the eighth-ranked rushing attack, putting up over 200 yards per game on the ground. Sophomore dual-threat QB Bobby Reid posted a 151.9 passer rating, second-best in the Big 12. His primary target is lethal WR Adarius Bowman, who had a monster 300-yard receiving game against Kansas.



Why Alabama Wins: Four of Alabama’s losses have come against LSU, Tennessee, Florida and Auburn – that’s all that needs to be said. Sophomore QB John Parker Wilson threw for a school record in yards (2,539) and TDs (16). His favorite target, DJ Hall, became Alabama’s second wide receiver ever to surpass 1,000 yards receiving. The consistent link on defense has been Wallace Gilberry, who has started all 12 games and recorded three sacks. The defense as a whole is strong, giving up less than 290 yards per game.

Prediction: Alabama 20-14


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