Blue-Gray Awash in Crimson Tide

Alabama running backs Dennis Riddle, Ed Scissum and Curtis Alexander gave the Blue-Gray college all-star game at Montgomery, Ala., a homespun flavor Thursday, each scoring touchdowns to lead the Gray to a 31-24 victory.

Stephen F. Austin receiver Mikhael Ricks had six receptions for 106 yards, including a diving catch on a desperation pass at the end of the first half.

Riddle finished with 66 yards in nine carries, Alexander had 11 yards rushing and a 46-yard touchdown catch and Scissum ran for 18 yards and a five-yard score. The performances provided some consolation for the Crimson Tide, who went 4-7 for its worst finish in 40 years.

James Brown of Texas completed eight of 13 passes for 150 yards and two long touchdowns for the Gray.

Navy’s Chris McCoy was the star player for the Blue. A quarterback who shifted to tailback for this game, McCoy finished with 75 yards rushing in six carries.

His big play came in the first half, when he took a handoff and plunged into the line, then bounced off a big hit, spun away and scooted down the sideline for a 40-yard gain.

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The University of Pittsburgh is guaranteeing a free ticket to any of its students who are making the 750-mile trip to Memphis, Tenn., to see the Panthers play Southern Mississippi in the Liberty Bowl on Wednesday.

The university announced in an open letter to students that the $30 tickets would be free to encourage attendance and as a reward after eight seasons without a bowl game.

“We just felt it was the right thing to do, given where our program has been and what we are trying to do,” Pittsburgh Athletic Director Steve Pederson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “This is their [the students] team. This is their university.”

The school has distributed about 5,200 tickets, which are limited to one per student with identification.

Southern Mississippi is playing in its first postseason game since 1990.