Big 12 Bowl Previews: Independence
3 comments so far
December 13, 2007 by
Normally a bowl game, particularly a minor one, is of greatest significance emotionally to the seniors as it’s their last time playing college football. But for the two head coaches and the programs at Colorado and Alabama as a whole, this one’s big.
Both teams come in at 6-6. Alabama lost their last four straight including a loss at home to Louisiana-Monroe. If the Crimson Tide follow that up with a loss in the Independence Bowl, they’ll be exactly where they were a year ago before they shelled out $20 million to lure head coach Nick Saban. They can’t be feeling too good about that.
Similarly Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins finished with a woeful 2-10 record in 2006 including a loss to Montana State. The Buffaloes began 2007 at 5-6 before their comeback at home over hated rival Nebraska earned them a bowl bid and surely endeared Hawkins to the CU faithful. But if he loses the bowl game, that will be two losing seasons in a row. While 6-7 still represents progress from 2-10, it’s still not where the Buffaloes wanted to be. They fired their previous head coach after a 7-6 season and back-to-back appearances in the Big 12 championship game. Sure, there were off-the-field scandals as well but to say they were happy with 7-6 would not be accurate either. It’s not that Hawkins would be fired at 6-7, but it might mean he would be one more bad season away from being fired.
Saban is probably safe for at least another year or two in any case, but certainly this season doesn’t help his job security long-term. It’s a disappointment and he’ll only be allowed about three disappointments before he’s shown the door.
So the seniors can take it in, leave it all on the field, and try to go out winners. But their coaches and every freshman who might like to keep that coach around for their own senior year, the stakes seem a bit higher. And that makes it an intriguing game in terms of the stakes even if the teams of the field seem weak in almost every area.
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bnahusker Dec 13 07
I can't help but think that Saban has a longer leash, due to this being his first year. I would not want to be in the way if there is not vast improvement next season.
Go Huskers!
Scott Dec 13 07
This should be a good game to watch...but I can't help but think that Alabama should have the upper hand in this one. I think Ganz exploited the Buff 'D' a little bit and I think Parker will take full notice of that for sure.
CU did beat the Sooners though so it will be interesting to see what team shows up.
Greg Morrow Dec 13 07
I haven't pulled for Buffy in any game since '95, when they easily handled their opponent in their bowl.
Can't this time either.
We have too "strange" of a relationship. Somehow, some time ago they (or we, according to them) crossed a line that even K State couldn't cross if it was in front of an open can of tuna.