Both No. 9 Michigan State (11-1) and No. 16 Alabama (9-3) had plausible BCS dreams during 2010. Instead, they clash in one of the highest-profile bowls outside of the series: the Capital One Bowl.
Alabama 49, Michigan State 7: ‘Bama Shows No Mercy In Capital One Bowl Romp
It’s hard to imagine Alabama delivering a bowl performance that was any more dominant. The Tide throttled Michigan State by a 49-7 score to capture the Capital One Bowl trophy.
Alabama brought a 28-0 lead into halftime and didn’t let up. Greg McElroy was very efficient behind center, his ball carriers made plays, and the defense refused to relent against Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins. All told, Alabama more than tripled Michigan State’s total offensive output, 546 yards to 171.
Read Article >Alabama Vs. Michigan State, Capital One Bowl: QBs Kirk Cousins, Andrew Maxwell Hurt, ‘Bama Rolls On
As we enter the fourth quarter of the Capital One Bowl, we have to ask whether it’s humane for Michigan State to continue to send quarterbacks on the field. Alabama has delivered hard hits to Kirk Cousins and Andrew Maxwell, and the Tide are still pitching a shutout, 42-0.
Cousins has been the recipient of several hard hits to his blind side, the last of which sent him to the sideline. Team trainers were listening to his breathing with a stethoscope, and it was unclear whether he would be able to return to action.
Read Article >Alabama Vs. Michigan State, Capital One Bowl: Greg McElroy Finds Marquiz Maze For TD, ‘Bama Leads 35-0
We’re in the second half of the Capital One Bowl, and nothing has changed. Michigan State can’t accomplish anything offensively, while Alabama uses every opportunity it gets to score a touchdown.
The Spartans received possession to open the third quarter, but the Tide continued to neutralize running back Edwin Baker and pressure quarterback Kirk Cousins, and Alabama forced a three-and-out.
Read Article >Alabama Vs. Michigan State, Capital One Bowl: Mark Ingram Busts Through End Zone, Tide Lead 7-0
At the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, Alabama has struck first, converting a couple of third-and-short situations against the Michigan State defense. Running back Mark Ingram shoved his way into the end zone, and the Crimson Tide lead, 7-0.
The Spartans mounted an impressive goal-line stand at the end of the game’s opening drive. Alabama earned a first down at Michigan State’s three-yard line, but it took the Tide three tries to find a way into the end zone.
Read Article >2010 Capital One Bowl Game: Time, Location, History And More
Outback Bowl, Penn State Vs. Florida: Urban Meyer’s Swan Song As Gators Head Coach
At different times this year, it wasn’t difficult to see either Alabama or Michigan State playing for the BCS National Championship. After all, Alabama entered the year as the near-consensus favorite to repeat as champions after their 2009 run, and Michigan State was 8-0 with a big win over Wisconsin when they dropped a three-touchdown loss to Iowa in late October.
The Capital One Bowl kicks off on Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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