Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl-Akron vs. FAU
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so need I say more?
DXL Frisco Bowl-Louisiana Tech vs. SMU
We’re really stretching to find a reason for Alabama fans to watch this because SMU averages 40 points per game, whereas La Tech doesn’t have a exactly great defense. Skip Holtz is coaching for La Tech, so that could be interesting.
…ok we’ll move right along then.
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl-Temple vs. FIU
FIU Head Coach Butch Davis was in the running to be hired by Alabama in 2000 as the head football coach. Ultimately, they had to settle for Dennis Franchione, who then left after two years before Mike & Mike (Price and Shula) coached. What would have things looked like if Butch was hired?
Bahamas Bowl-UAB vs. Ohio
Uh, hello?! UAB all the way! They made their bowl the first year their program was restored after it was torn apart a few years before. The odds and spread go against them, but we will go Green and Gold to help our fellow team out to victory. And a trip to the Bahamas isn’t a bad reward at all.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl-Central Michigan vs. Wyoming
Alabama is all about “Defense wins championships”. Well, these two teams have some of the best defenses in the nation and should be fun to watch which one breaks first. Statistically, Wyoming has the better defense but the Chippewas are not too far behind.
Birmingham Bowl-Texas Tech vs. South Florida
(Insert annual reminder that Auburn once played in the Birmingham Bowl once upon a time.)
In all seriousness, the scoreboard at Legion Field needs to be ready because these two teams are known for offense. South Florida has the edge with the better defense of the two, plus they have the better record. Texas Tech barely qualified for this bowl after beating Texas.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl-San Diego State vs. Army
If you’ve ever wanted to see what Alabama football looks like on the West Coast, you have to look toward SDSU. The Aztecs have a potent running offensive game with a defense that has known to push its will towards opponents. Fans should be entirely on upset alert if ever SDSU and Alabama got together in a game.
Dollar General Bowl-Appalachian State vs. Toledo
Actually, now that you mention Appalachian State, this will be their third straight trip to the state of Alabama, though it’s a different venue than before. The Mountaineers are used to playing in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, but will now be in Mobile playing in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. They are facing a Toledo team known for their high-octane offense.
Hawai’i Bowl-Fresno State vs. Houston Cougars
Fresno is another former Alabama opponent, who lost 41-10. Since that game, they went 8-3 and almost became the champions of the Mountain West if it were not for a close loss in the second round of Boise State vs the Bulldogs. (But really, Alabama didn’t play anyone this year ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl-Utah vs. West Virginia
At least some Bama fans may think of West Virginia and think about that time Rich Rodriguez was at WVU and almost took the Alabama job in 2007. He had agreed in principle to be the coach, but then said no as the details were being worked out. God only knows what would have happened in Nick Saban was not the coach.
Quick Lane Bowl-Duke vs. NIU
Duke’s head coach, David Cutcliffe, is a University of Alabama grad and a native of Birmingham, AL. He’s really risen the level of play at Duke and it’s good to see the Blue Devils back in a bowl. The Blue Devils actually missed a bowl last year after winning their first one in 54 years. Will be interesting to see how they fare against an NIU team, the MAC powerhouse that didn’t quite beat Toledo to win the championship.
Cactus Bowl-Kansas State vs. UCLA
Chip Kelly was rumored to have almost taken up the Florida job, which might have put up a real fight against Nick Saban. We won’t ever know, as Kelly took the UCLA job. He probably won’t be coaching this game, but don’t count KSU out. They have had their fair share of dramatic finishes this year.
Walk On’s Independence Bowl-Southern Miss vs. Florida State
My oh my, how far Florida State has fallen. After Alabama got the then-big win over the Seminoles and got their star QB knocked out for the rest of the season, FSU struggled. They even lost to Boston College 35-3 in an embarrassing loss. The season sent Jimbo Fisher out for a new job at Texas A&M. It’s the Seminoles only chance at salvaging the season Alabama football ruined.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl-Iowa vs. Boston College
Speaking of Boston College…wait, they aren’t the team we should focus on. Iowa! Oh, we thank you so much Iowa. Thank you for taking down Ohio State so badly to force the playoff committee to let Alabama in. We really could not thank you enough to make a difference. You truly are a gem of College Football. (heart emoji)
Foster Farms Bowl-Arizona vs. Purdue
The people of Alabama wish to congratulate Purdue coach Jeff Brohm for successfully rejecting the job at Tennessee. We personally would not touch Tennessee with a 10-foot pole and, to be quite honest, Purdue has to be a lot better than the garbage fire that is in Knoxville. Good luck against Arizona.
Academy Sports & Outdoors Texas Bowl-Texas vs. Missouri
Well, Alabama football fans all remember 2009, when Texas lost Colt McCoy in the Rose Bowl and lost the National Championship to the Crimson Tide. Since then, they haven’t been the same team and they are now playing in the aptly named Texas Bowl.
As for Missouri…well, don’t screw this up Missouri. You’ve just got to beat Texas to help preserve the dignity of the SEC. Please?!
Military Bowl-Navy vs. Virginia
There isn’t an Alabama football connection here to be found, but if you’re an underdog fan, Virginia is the team to cheer for. They haven’t won a bowl since 2005. The spread here is -1, so this could be Virginia’s chance. Both team, however, have been dismal down the stretch so this may be a game to skip otherwise.