I'm a PAC-10 guy, so I have no stake in this game, except a small wager, but I am taking Alabama. I was impressed by Nebraska's defense against Texas, and Alabama has a little better defense, and just enough offense to get it done.

Sunny skies today with temp of 70 degrees. Cheerleaders will be wearing close to nothing. Not sure if they can top the TCU cheerleaders. Say what you want about the state of Texas, but they do have some hot girls. The Rose Bowl is still the best venue to watch a football game.

The Ghost of Bear Bryant still hovers over Bama and their faithful(Gene Stallings 1992 National Championship, not withstanding). It has been close to 20 years since Bama last won that national title...the program has seen its fair share of NCAA violations, coaching debacles (Dennis Franchione, Mike Price) and on the field difficulties (loosing 6 straight to Auburn at one point) over the past two decades. Saban now seems to have the program back to its national prominence.

While they are crazed college football fans in Texas, there is alot of other sports interestc throughout the state. Alabama is the Crimson Tide (or Auburn Tigers)...the passion level is a whole different ball of wax. Couple this with the fact that Texas won a national championship a few years ago, I think this game is critical for the University of Alabama, and for that matter the entire state.

Nice analysis, Hardy-
I lived in Birmingham from 71-83 and loved the Bear-Mike Dubose was another Tide coach, who besmirched the program and also Mike Shula, who didn't get it done-Saban, while not the most truthful of individuals, is an incredible college coach, and my bucks are on the Tide, who have been on a mission for the National Title since Florida beat them last year-1rob

..Birmingham from when you were 71 -83 years old, shit, you must be in your mid 90's now, maybe a 100. Damn, what do you do, take a bottle of viagra a day????

football game is Michigan Stadium.  The Rose Bowl can't compare to it.  I've seen games in both stadiums, and it's no contest - Michigan by a mile!

and not all of it on the field.

Take Michigan if you want but I'll the weather in Pasadena in January over Ann Arbor.

Always great to hear from my favorite Gator fan, Jimbo-That would be 1971-1983-Are you drinking again? smile-always enjoy your posts-Later, Bro-1rob...OUT  8-)