Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Alabama vs Michigan State is a very interesting match up on many levels. But the best one may be that the two teams are almost mirror images of each other in most aspects of the game.
Way back on September 16th, 2010 I wrote an article
In that article, I wrote about the similarities between the two teams as the season was just beginning. Without posting the whole article, I said the main things both teams had in common was a strong running game, an experienced quarterback, young and untested defensive backs and other holes to fill on defense.
I also mentioned that they have their own Javier Arenas type player that can burn a team on kick and punt returns and of course, one must mention the Saban connection.
Saban has told me he still has friends at Michigan State and that is easy to believe as Saban doesn't burn bridges behind him, especially with people he considers his friends.
But who knew at that time that they would wind up against each other in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando and that he may end up getting to see them again?
Going deeper into the comparisons, Alabama rushed so far for 2103 yards with Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson leading the way. Michigan State has rushed for 2026 yards with Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell leading the way.
Both teams have accomplished quarterbacks.
McElroy is :209 for 296 for 2767 yards for a 70.6% ratio for a 166.9 rating with 19 TD's and 5 INT's
Cousins is 216 for 320 for 2705 yards for a 67.5% ratio for a 153.5 rating with 20 TD's and 9 INT's
All of Alabama's losses can be directly attributed to the defensive secondary being torched at a bad time.
Michigan State got torched early and often in it's only loss, an embarrassing blowout loss to Iowa.
Alabama averages 34.6 points a game and Michigan State averages 31.3.
These points are all close and should indicate a good game.
But there are some places where there are differences and the differences do favor Alabama and some that favor Michigan State. They are:
Third down percentages: Alabama - 42.75 Michigan State 37.5 - Point Alabama
Red Zone Success Alabama 83% - Michigan State 91.11% - Point Michigan State
Field goal success rates - Alabama - 76% - Michigan State - 93.3% - Point Michigan State
Penalties- Alabama has 63 for 465 total yards and Michigan St. has 79 for 709 yards - Point Alabama
So you can see there's lots of similarities and lots of differences, all that should make this game a very interesting one to watch.
Sienna Guillory Tricia Vessey Aki Ross Ashley Tappin Carmen Electra
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