COL FB: Alabama 30, Colorado 24

SHREVEPORT, La., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- John Parker Wilson passed for three touchdowns and 256 yards Sunday and Alabama beat Colorado 30-24 in the Independence Bowl.

Alabama raced to a 20-0 lead heading into the second quarter, but the advantage dwindled to 27-14 at the half. Colorado never led the contest.

Wilson completed 13 of his first 15 passes. Running back Glen Coffee gained 72 yards on 19 carries, while Matt Caddell scored once on four catches for 76 yards to help the Crimson Tide (7-6) break a four-game skid to close the season.

They also avoided consecutive losing seasons for the first time in 50 years.

Colorado's Cody Hawkins completed 24 of 39 passes for 322 yards with three touchdowns, but two interceptions.

Tyson DeVree scored twice on nine receptions for 94 yards and Hugh Charles rushed for 69 yards on 14 attempts for the Buffaloes (6-7), who finished below .500 for the second straight year.