Capital One Bowl 2011: Why Alabama-Michigan St. Could Be a Very Interesting Game

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)—Alabama vs. Michigan State is a very interesting matchup 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 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 were 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 Nick 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 has rushed so far for 2,103 yards with Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson leading the way. Michigan State has rushed for 2,026 yards with Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell leading the way.

Both teams have accomplished quarterbacks.

Greg McElroy is 209-of-296 for 2,767 yards for a 70.6 percent completion rate for a 166.9 rating with 19 TDs and five INTs.

Cousins is 216-of-320 for 2,705 yards for a 67.5 percent completion rate for a 153.5 rating with 20 TDs and nine INTs.

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 its 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. Some differences do favor Alabama, and some favor Michigan State. They are:

Third down percentages: Alabama 42.75, Michigan State 37.5—Point Alabama

Red zone success: Alabama 83 percent, Michigan State 91.11 percent—Point Michigan State

Field goal success rates: Alabama 76 percent, Michigan State 93.3 percent—Point Michigan State

Penalties: Alabama has 63 for 465 total yards, and Michigan St. has 79 for 709 yards—Point Alabama

As you can see, there are lots of similarities and lots of differences—all that should make this game a very interesting one to watch.