Alabama To Play Oklahoma in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans

By tempadmin

The Alabama football team will take on the Oklahoma Sooners at the 80th Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday, January 2, 2014 in New Orleans, La. ESPN will carry the game on TV and kickoff is set at 7:30 PM CST.

Alabama (11-1 overall) and Oklahoma (10-2) have met four times previously in their storied history of collegiate football excellence, but this game will be the first game since 2003. Oklahoma is one of the few teams in America that have a winning record against Alabama. They are 2-1-1 against Bama over the years.

In 2003, Oklahoma beat Alabama in Bryant Denny Stadium 20-13. In 2002, Alabama was beat in Norman, OK in another regular-season game 37 – 27. Their first meeting was when Alabama beat the Sooners 17 - 0 in the 1963 Orange Bowl. There was a famous sister kisser with the 24 – 24 draw in the 1970 Bluebonnet bowl.

In a statement by University of Alabama Director of Athletics, Bill Battle, "We are excited and proud to be named to play in this year's Sugar Bowl against the University of Oklahoma," said Battle. "These are two great universities with great academic and football traditions. The history of our previous games against each other has been very competitive and exciting. Our fans love New Orleans, and this is especially meaningful to me, as I have degrees from both institutions (bachelor's degree from Alabama, master's degree from Oklahoma)."

Alabama has been in more Sugar bowls than any other team ever with 14 appearances. The last appearance in the official Sugar Bowl was a forgettable 2008 loss to Utah that still stings many Alabama fans, however the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game was hosted by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Alabama came out on top 21-0 over an LSU team that could not hardly cross midfield.

I know it's a little bit disappointing to have to settle for the Sugar bowl this year when we were so close to being in the national championship, however I think it will motivate Alabama in the upcoming year to stay hungry and work hard. Alabama is still very talented and the Oklahoma game will provide a a great start to preparations for the 2004 football team.

Beat the Sooners!
Roll Tide!

Here is some footage from 2003 game. It is a punt fake by Oklahoma and the following TD. We will have to watch out for tricks from Stoops.