The Oklahoma Sooners take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the AllState Sugar Bowl on Thursday night. The game is scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the game have Alabama as a big favorite over the Sooners.

Sugar Bowl Odds

Oklahoma +17
Alabama    -17
Total:           51.5 pts

The Sugar Bowl has always stood by itself as the only game taking place after New Year's Day. In this contest we will see the Oklahoma Sooners try and beat the nearly unbeatable Alabama Crimson Tide and Nick Saban, who signed an extension to stay in the SEC.

If you're looking for a bit of a repeat here, it's worth noting that the last time Alabama lost to Auburn in 2010 the Crimson Tide responded by beating Michigan State in their bowl game 49-7. Will they be able to overpower the Sooners in this contest? The oddsmakers believe they will, putting Alabama as a favorite of more than two touchdowns.

Oklahoma might be able to beat Alabama in this contest because the Crimson Tide might be sulking from not being the bride. Alabama hasn't been on the field since losing to Auburn way back on November 30, when they lost on the final play of the game. It's fair to say that Alabama might not be completely up for playing in this game.

The Sooners have some problems at quarterback, where they seem to have more than one guy behind center. Senior Blake Bell was though to be the guy for the job but he has struggled. Freshman Trevor Knight provides the Sooner with a dual threat option at the quarterback position, but they might be getting some unwarranted action in this one. Remember, at one point this season Bob Stoops said the SEC was "overrated."

This could end up being one of the better bowl games to watch. Oklahoma has won 10 games for a fourth consecutive season. They have a very solid running game led by Brennan Clay, who ran for better than 900 yards this season.

Alabama counters with A.J. McCarron and steller running back T.J. Yeldon. Both guys are supreme talents at their position and McCarron has gone 36-3 as a starter of the Crimson Tide in his career.

This should be a very good game. If Alabama doesn't bring their best contest, Oklahoma is going to have a good chance. If they sulk about not playing in the national championship and don't embrace their role as the bridesmaid the Sooners could be able to pull off the upset. We like Alabama to win the game, but it will be closer than expected.

Free Pick: Alabama 31, Oklahoma 23

Handicapping Tips: College Bowl Games

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