Capital One Bowl 2011: Alabama's Dominating Victory Shows What Might Have Been

This was what all Alabama fans were waiting for.

A finished product.

A full 60 minutes of dominance like the 2009 SEC Championship Game bringing Alabama's skill and talent together on the field.

It was the type of game most expected when Alabama was granted its perch as the preseason No. 1 team in the nation.

Yes, Alabama may have fallen short of its lofty goals this season, but it sure was nice to see them finally pack a wallop together like the beating they unleashed on Michigan State.

I know it's hard to imagine the Spartans actually being one of the Big Ten tri-champions, but yesterday in Orlando the Crimson Tide made them look like a middle-of-the-pack MAC team.

The statistics alone are staggering as Alabama out-rushed Michigan State 275 to minus-48. Yes, negative-48 yards.

In fact, Alabama's second-string quarterback made it on the field before the Alabama punter did and by the time Alabama was up 35-0 even I was hoping that there was some sort of mercy rule for the Capital One Bowl.

It was a fitting way for this team to go out. Flexing its muscles against the Big Ten and capping a 10-win season all the while giving Alabama 36 wins in three seasons, which is a new SEC record.

Not bad for this senior class, as it's just another accolade to put up there beside an SEC and national title.

Still, this stunning bowl win is bittersweet. You can only wonder why this sort of performance didn't come through in Columbia, SC, Baton Rouge or in the Iron Bowl. College football is funny that way, but a victory like this is better late than never.

Now the waiting game begins.

How many of Alabama's talented juniors will leave school for the NFL? Honestly, you have to think most or all of them will be on their way out.

Although, when you think of the possibilities of Ingram, Dareus and Jone returning you can't help but get excited especially in light of the domination in Orlando.

Either way it has been a great ride and the future of Alabama's football program is very bright.