COL FB: Minnesota 20, Alabama 16

NASHVILLE, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Marion Barber rushed for 187 yards Friday to help Minnesota down Alabama, 20-16, in the Music City Bowl.

The Gophers, who have a weak passing attack, ground out 286 yards rushing against an Alabama defense that was giving up 236 total per game, good for second in the nation.

Barber, who had 39 carries, got help from Laurence Maroney, who added 103 on 28 carries. It was the first time two backs ran for over 100 yards in the same game against the Crimson Tide (6-6) this season.

The Gophers, who began the season with five straight wins, finished at 7-5. Alabama ended up losing four of its last five and posted consecutive non-winning seasons for the first time since 1954-57.