DALLAS -- Alabama hopes to slow down Texas Tech's
high-powered offense when the squads meet for the first time in
an interesting contrast of styles at the Cotton Bowl.
The 18th-ranked Red Raiders rank first nationally in passing
offense (403.6), second in total offense (511.0) and fourth in
scoring offense (42.09).
The 13th-ranked Crimson Tide, meanwhile, are fourth in passing
defense (154.82), second in total defense (248.36) and tops in
scoring defense (10.7).
Alabama (9-2) began the season 9-0 but lost to Southeastern
Conference West Division rivals Louisiana State and Auburn at
the end of the regular season.
The Crimson Tide lost star wide receiver Tyrone Prothro to a
broken leg in a 31-3 rout of Florida on October 1 and managed to
score 20 points just once in their final six games.
Alabama will be without cornerback Simeon Castille, who is
academically ineligible. He tied for the team lead with two
interceptions and ranked second with seven pass breakups.
Texas Tech (9-2) is paced by quarterback Cody Hodges, who leads
the country in total offense (378.8). A senior, Hodges
completed 338-of-499 passes for 4,042 yards, 30 touchdowns and
12 interceptions during the season, his first as a starter.
The Red Raiders scored at least 50 points on five occasions this
season but mustered just 17 points apiece in losses at Texas
and Oklahoma State.
Alabama leads the country in bowl appearances (53) and bowl wins
(29), but lost to Minnesota last year in the Music City Bowl,
20-16.
Texas Tech is just 8-19-1 all-time in bowls but has won its last
three, including a 45-31 upset of California in the Holiday
Bowl last season.