Alabama wins in the end

Wilson, Tiffin lead Tide past Colorado

Published: Monday, December 31, 2007 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 11:57 p.m.

Nick Saban's first year at Alabama ended up the same way it started - with a victory.

Eric Gray jumps for joy after he and his Alabama teammates defeated Colorado in the PetroSun Independence Bowl, 30-24, on Sunday in Shreveport, La.

Charles Smith/Associated Press

The Crimson Tide (7-6) avoided a second consecutive losing season Sunday night, hanging on for a 30-24 victory over Big 12 foe Colorado (6-7) in the Independence Bowl.

John Parker Wilson threw three touchdown passes in the first half and former Muscle Shoals High School kicker Leigh Tiffin connected for three field goals to provide Alabama's scoring. After racing to a 27-0 lead in the first 18 minutes, Colorado stormed back to pull within 30-24 with 3:51 to play, but the Tide were able to run out all but one second on its next drive to preserve the win.

Wilson, named the game's most outstanding offensive player, finished 19-of-32 for 256 yards and one interception to go with the three touchdown passes. Alabama's Wallace Gilberry was the game's most outstanding playeron defense. The senior had eight tackles, including five for loss and one sack.

Colorado's Cody Hawkins threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort.