For the first time in Alamo Bowl history, two top 15 teams faced off in what turned out to be a great game. The #11 Kansas State Wildcats faced the #14 UCLA Bruins. The Alamo Bowl has become one of the best non New Year’s six bowls, and with their first ever top 15 match up, that continued to prove true. I had the opportunity to attend this great game, and it was a great experience. Heading in, I was afraid with no Texas Teams in the game that it wouldn’t be a great crowd. Also, even with the roof, the weather could affect fans not wanting to come out. I was pleasantly surprised with the near capacity crowd of 60,517. There was sea of purple, as Kansas State fans traveled very well creating a near home game experience. UCLA had a good number of fans as well, but not like Kansas State.
It looked like UCLA might run away early in the game. UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley got off to a hot start, and gave his Bruins a 31-6 halftime lead, but the tough and proud Wildcats came back to make an exciting finish. At 34-28, Kansas State had a chance to stop UCLA and get the ball back with about three minutes left. On a 2nd and 13 play, UCLA running back, Paul Perkins ran 67 yards to all but seal the win. The Wildcats did score quickly, but failed to recover an onside kick and gave UCLA the 40-34 victory.
I was very impressed with the crowd at the Alamo Bowl, especially the Kansas State fans. I met a family from Kansas who talked to me about how K-State is a family. It really shows. They travel well, they’re very loud, and they are loyal no matter what the score. To me, apart from the game and the magnitude of the top 15 match up, is how well San Antonio supports sporting events. For two teams who have nothing to do with San Antonio or Texas, the crowd was great. It was a great environment, and San Antonio once again proved they can support in high numbers ANY team willing to play here. All they have to do is come.
