ESPN.com · Dec 7, 2015
Bowl matchup quick look: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Alabama coach Nick Saban has never lost to a former employee. In eight games against programs run by one of his former assistants, Saban’s Crimson Tide is 8-0, winning each game by at least 14 points.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, who lost to his former boss 49-7 in the 2011 Capital One Bowl, will attempt to buck that trend on New Year’s Eve with a trip to the national championship game on the line. To get there, the Spartans will need to best a defense that has been stingy even by Alabama’s standards. According to ESPN Stats and Information, since losing to Ole Miss in October, Alabama has led the nation in fewest points allowed per game and yards allowed per game.