BCS championship game
No. 1 Alabama (13-0) vs. No. 2 Texas (13-0), 8:38 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Alabama by 4.
Series Record: Texas leads 7-0-1
Last meeting: 1982 Cotton Bowl, Texas 14-12.
What’s At Stake
Two of college football’s most storied and tradition-rich programs try to add a national championship crystal ball to their trophy cases. For the Crimson Tide, it would be the first national championship since 1992 and be a culmination of sorts for Nick Saban’s quick restoration of Alabama football. Saban would also be the first coach in the poll era to win national championships with two teams. Mack Brown and the Longhorns are going for their second national title in five seasons.
Key Matchup
conjure up.
Players to Watch
Alabama: LB Rolando McClain. The 258-pound All-American makes plays all over the field. He led the Tide in tackles (101) and had four sacks and two interceptions. He is also like a coach on the field, directing his teammates into the right spots. But he was fighting an illness earlier in the week and how much that will affect him won’t be known until the game is played.
Texas: QB Colt McCoy. The two-time Heisman finalist completed 70 percent of his passes and was also the team’s second-leading rusher with 348 yards. It’s unlikely Texas’ inconsistent running game will find traction against Alabama, so the Longhorns’ hopes are firmly in McCoy’s hands.
Figures
Alabama TB Mark Ingram is the eighth Heisman Trophy winner to play in the BCS championship game. Six of the previous seven were on the losing end of the title game. … Alabama ranks No. 2 in the nation in total defense at 241 yards allowed per game and Texas is No. 3 at 251 yards allowed per game. The Longhorns’ run defense ranks No. 1 in the nation at 62 yards allowed per game and ‘Bama is No. 2 at 78 yards allowed per game. … Texas WR Jordan Shipley caught 106 passes, more than the combined total of the Longhorns’ second- and third-leading receivers (James Kirkendoll with 48 and Dan Buckner with 44).
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