Jan 02, 2014 04:22 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Alabama Crimson Tide (3) saw their BCS title run smashed in the Iron Bowl and are now set to take on the Oklahoma Sooners (11) in the 2014 Sugar Bowl.

One the one hand, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have had season-finale loss to Auburn in the backs of their minds for a month. On the other, one of college football's best defensive strategists has had a month to prepare for one game.

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The Sooners do not have one single offensive threat, but have several steady options. As a team, they have run for 235.8 yards per game, 17th in the nation, and allowed 21.3 points per game, 22nd in the nation.

The Tide averaged 212 yards on the ground this year and have allowed just 11.3 points per game, the second best total in college football. Heisman finalist quarterback A.J. McCarron also leads their offense.

According to NFL Media's Gil Brandt, McCarron declined his invite to the Senior Bowl, letting his four years of play at Alabama speak for itself. Forgoing the Senior Bowl also makes the Sugar Bowl McCarron's last audition before entering the NFL Draft.

Was told #Alabama QB AJ McCarron will not accept his Senior Bowl invite. Standing on play last 4 yrs w Tide.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 1, 2014

"I think AJ McCarron is the best player in the country, I really do," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said last month, according to ESPN. "If I had a vote, that's who I'd vote for. On and on, just fundamental, sound, great players, force great schemes... I appreciate good football, and (the Crimson Tide) play it, and they play it the right way."

In his college career, McCarron has been treated to play with Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy (all three in the NFL now) and now T.J. Yeldon. With McCarron as the starting QB, Alabama is 42-1 when the running backs rush for at least 125 yards. When they do not, the Tide is 4-5.

"We are going to have to attack, just like we did before. It's no mystery," Sooners linebacker Eric Striker told reporters, according to ESPN. "Everyone knows this is the best team, even though they did lose. Even though they lost, I don't see it.

"I think they are still one of the best teams. It is a great opportunity for us to show what we can do."

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