The Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) tackle the Kansas State Wildcats (10-3) within the Sugar Bowl, a New 12 months’s Six bowl recreation in Bowl Season. Kickoff comes from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 11:00 a.m. CT.

Can the upstart Wildcats pull off one other upset of their greatest bowl recreation since 2012?

Sizing Up The Alabama Crimson Tide

Protecting up the 10-2 document for Alabama, you’d suppose this is among the most disappointing groups Nick Saban’s ever had in Tuscaloosa. From his standpoint, you would be proper.

Two losses within the common season knocked Alabama out of the CFP race sooner than ever earlier than, with this yr’s Playoff being simply the second time the Tide didn’t make it. Deficiencies on protection and the offensive line value Alabama a pair of video games by a grand complete of 4 factors.

Bryce Younger adopted up his Heisman-winning season with one other statistically-excellent yr, however not sufficient to be invited again to New York this season. For the primary time in ages, the Crimson Tide did not roster a prime receiver within the nation, with Ja’Corey Brooks main the way in which with simply 623 receiving yards.

As a substitute, it was do-it-all utility again Jahmyr Gibbs that shone, main the workforce in speeding (850 yards) and coming in third in receiving (376).

On the opposite aspect of the ball, immense expertise went majorly under-appreciated, with celebrity Will Anderson not fairly following up his 32-tackle-for-loss season in spectacular trend. Regardless, Anderson and a number of teammates will hear their title known as on the opening night time of the NFL Draft in April.

It is fairly attainable that all of us jumped on our first likelihood to rely Alabama out as a result of they weren’t wonderful this yr.

Sizing Up The Kansas State Wildcats

On the whole different finish of the spectrum, Kansas State was talked about fairly a bit with their rise to prominence. Wonderful play from Adrian Martinez and Will Howard (in aid) propelled Okay-State to a 10-win season and their first outright Massive 12 championship since 2003.

The foundation of their success comes from their terrific teaching workers, headed by Chris Kliemann and Wildcat legend turned OC Collin Klein. They maintained a degree of excessive offensive play whereas additionally decreasing the previously-lucrative workload of operating again Deuce Vaughn.

Defensively is the place Okay-State actually shone by means of. Sport wrecker “King” Felix Anudike-Uzomah anchored a line of defense that pressured the Twelfth-most turnovers within the nation.

Kansas State’s greatest weapon, although, is their versatility. When the run recreation could not get going, the air recreation did. When the offense was sluggish out of the gate, the protection stepped up. Kansas State is provided to beat groups in a myriad of how, highlighted by their Massive 12 Championship victory over TCU.

Notable Accidents, Decide Outs

Alabama: WR JoJo Earle (switch), OL Javion Cohen (switch)

Kansas State: None

Why Alabama Can Win

4 complete factors separate Alabama from being unbeaten and within the CFP. 4.

Each of these losses got here to ranked groups on the street. To say this Alabama workforce is worse off as a result of they’ve two losses is a farce.

Each Younger and Anderson will play on this recreation regardless of being excessive NFL Draft prospects. No decide outs right here, the Tide are at full power.

Whereas the Tide do not have a game-breaking receiver this season, their offense as an entire is third in scoring (41.4 factors per recreation) and twentieth in effectivity. Younger remains to be a Heisman-level quarterback able to bailing his workforce out at any time when they want.

And on protection, they nonetheless have immeasurable expertise. Anderson solely put up fewer stats than final season due to the quantity of consideration he acquired from double and triple groups.

On the again finish, Alabama fields Jordan Battle, a possible first-round security that leads the secondary. On their greatest days, Alabama’s protection is pretty much as good as any.

Lastly, teaching expertise issues and nobody is extra battle-tested in huge time video games than Saban. The Tide can win on a expertise and training benefit alone.

Why Kansas State Can Win

Except for the offensive line and occasional defensive meltdowns, this Alabama dedicated extra penalties than any Saban-led workforce ever. Actually, solely 4 groups in all the nation dedicated extra penalty yards per recreation than Bama. Imperfection in video games like this results in alternative and Kansas State is a workforce totally able to capitalizing on undisciplined play.

Whereas the Sugar Bowl maintains its standing as a excessive honor for its contributors, this could’t really feel like something however a comfort prize for the Crimson Tide. There isn’t any dialogue available– this recreation means the world extra to Kliemann and Kansas State.

And motivation in these video games is a significant factor.

Kansas State already beat the chances within the Massive 12 Championship recreation, definitely they’ve another in them. Howard is a troublesome child with a powerful want to win.

As with each workforce that performs Alabama, the Tide are going to get Kansas State’s pinnacle effort.

Alabama Vs. Kansas State Prediction

Pinnacle effort and simply sufficient expertise and grit is a profitable recipe in Bowl Season. Already this yr, we have seen upsets predicated on the need and toughness to win the sport– Center Tennessee, Troy, and New Mexico State all pulled upsets in comparable trend.

Kansas State is the extra disciplined workforce this season and I do not anticipate them to beat themselves. Alabama however, I not solely anticipate them to beat themselves on this recreation, however truly predict it.

The Wildcats are licking their chops on the alternative to play this recreation. Signal me up for an additional Sugar Bowl win by the Massive 12.

The decide: Kansas State 29-26

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