Sugar Bowl Preview

Alabama vs Utah, 8PM on Fox

The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough loss in the SEC Championship Game to the Florida Gators. Alabama was undefeated entering the game with Florida, but blew the lead in the 2nd half. The Tide are led by QB John Parker Wilson, who threw for 1,347 yards and just 6 TD's. Their offense relies on the running game, with Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram. Coffee ran for 1,347 yards and 10 TD's. Mark Ingram scored the most TD's on the ground for Bama, reaching the endzone 12 times. The Crimson Tide have one of the best lines in the nation, but will be without All American left tackle Andre Smith, who was suspended before the Sugar Bowl. Alabama will face a fast paced offense tonight. The Utes run no huddle, a problem that may cause the Tide's defenders to get tired.

Quarteback Brian Johnson has been a real treat for the Utes this season. He threw for 2,636 yards with 24 TD's. Running the ball for the Utes is Matt Asiata, who had 666 rushing yards with 11 TD's. Utah will look to run the ball laterally to force the big Alabama linemen to make plays with their feet. On defense, the Utes has 17 interceptions. All Conference cornerback, Sean Smith, will have primary responsiblity in covering Bama WR Julio Jones. Defensive End Paul Kruger will get a lot attention from the Crimson Tide's line, but he still has the ability to break off of double coverage and get pressure on the QB.

Flip's Pick: Utah, 42-35
Flip's Player 2 Watch: QB Brian Johnson


Chris's Pick: Alabama, 28-10
Chris's Player 2 Watch: WR Julio Jones