Texas and Alabama will meet tonight at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. to determine college football's national champion, and many of the numerous pro anglers from those states will be tuning in to root for (or in some cases against) one team or the other.
Texan Alton Jones has been on the water with the Longhorns' two offensive stars, quarterback Colt McCoy and receiver Jordan Shipley. Maybe you've seen the ESPN clip that's been played many times this week of Shipley zipping by in a boat and catching a pass from a shore-bound McCoy – Jones was at the wheel of the boat.
"I think it'll be a really close game," Jones said. "I think in a game like this it could come down to the quarterbacks, McCoy and (Alabama's Greg) McElroy, and I think McCoy will have the edge. I'm taking Texas by a field goal."
A couple of Alabamians, naturally, have other ideas.
"The big thing Alabama has going for it if the defense plays well is their offense is more well-rounded," said Matt Herren. "Texas is pretty dependent on the pass, but if Alabama can get the ground game going (led by Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram), they can eat up the clock and it takes such a toll on an opposing defense. I look for 'Bama to win a close one, 28-24."
Added fellow Tide fan Scott Canterbury: "I think Alabama will handle them pretty good. Texas is good, but Alabama is stronger and more physical and has a better defense than anybody Texas has seen all year. I'm going to say 32-21 or something like that."
The latest Las Vegas betting line has Alabama as a 4-point favorite.
