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Buffs vs. Bama?

Posted November 30, 2007

If the Buffs do indeed end up heading to Shreveport to face Alabama in the Independence Bowl, there's at least some history to such a meeting, as the two programs met in two of CU's more memorable bowls.

In 1969, Eddie Crowder's Buffs beat Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide 47-33 in the Liberty Bowl. CU's Bobby Anderson ran for 254 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 5,017 yards in total offense for his career and making him the first Big Eight player to hit the 5,000-yard mark.

In 1991, Bill McCartney's Buffs fell to Gene Stallings' Alabama team, 30-25, in the Blockbuster Bowl. The game is particularly memorable for CU folks as it marked the debut of Mac's one-back, pass-oriented offense. Despite having only a few practices in the new offense, Buff QB Darian Hagan threw for 210 yards, including a 62-yard TD pass to Michael Westbrook and a 13-yarder to Charles Johnson. Hagan was also sacked six times in the game, leaving him with just 12 yards rushing.

That was, by the way, virtually the same Alabama defense that would lead the Tide to an undefeated season and a national title the following year.

As for this year's connection? Alabama's offensive coordinator is none other than former Texas QB Major Applewhite, who replaced starter Chris Simms and led Texas on a late rally against the Buffs in the 2001 Big 12 title game. The rally fell short and the 'Horns were denied a title and BCS bowl berth.