No. 1 Alabama (13-0) takes on No. 4 Washington (12-1) in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, and the Crimson Tide is a 14-point favorite.
Washington isn’t being given much of a chance in this College Football Playoff semifinal, so its stars are going to have to shine against Alabama’s nasty defense.
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Here are the 10 most-important players in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
1. Jake Browning, QB, Washington
Alabama has lost six games since 2012, and those quarterbacks who beat the Tide averaged 257.7 yards passing with 16 TDs and two interceptions. That list includes Chad Kelly (twice), Johnny Manziel, Trevor Knight, Nick Marshall and Cardale Jones. If Browning has one of those nights and can knock off the defending national champions, then he’ll be remembered forever.
2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama
Hurts is a true freshman, and he’s answered the challenge at every stop this season. That included a slew of impressive road victories in the SEC. Hurts must protect the football. Washington leads the nation in turnover margin (+21). Opponents had 27 fumbles and lost 14 against the Huskies. It’s all about avoiding the big mistake.
3. Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
If Washington can’t block Allen, then it’s going to be a long night. The versatile defensive lineman can rush inside and out, and that opens up rush lanes for Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams. Browning must avoid third-and-long as much as possible against that pass rush.
4. John Ross, WR, Washington
Ross is one of the most-exciting players in college football, and he’s going to have to live up to that billing for Washington to have a chance. Ross did have four TDs of 50 yards or more this season, but he also scored 12 times in the red zone. That goes underappreciated. He’s the go-to guy who needs to have a go-to game.
5. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Foster led Alabama with 94 tackles, and he’s one of the team leaders. The first-team All-American can fly on the outside in nickel packages or fill on the run. He’ll need to do both against the Huskies while being a tone-setter with a few big hits. He’ll also have to be on alert for a few of those patented trick plays. Foster can disrupt those if he’s ready.
6. Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
The Huskies averaged 5.5 yards per game, but Alabama never allowed more than 3.1 yards per attempt in a single game this season. Washington needs to have success in the running game to have a chance. Gaskin needs to make the most of every inside run. He had just 15 carries for 51 yards in the loss to USC.
7. Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama
He can make the game-changing play at any time. Really, that’s true of Alabama’s entire defense and special teams, which produced 14 non-offensive TDs this season. Fitzpatrick had five interceptions and two pick sixes. Browning will have to account for Fitzpatrick at all times.
8. Budda Baker, S, Washington
Sporting News’ first-team All-American selection led Washington with nine tackles for loss, and he’s a free-range player who will be around the football quite a bit. Can Baker and Taylor Rapp bait Hurts into some ill-timed throws that change momentum?
9. Damian Harris, RB, Alabama
Harris averaged 7.4 yards per carry, but he battled through a few injuries. Washington is tough against the run (3.5 yards per carry allowed). Harris had 89 touches in the first half this season and 56 touches in the second half. Expect him to be involved early. If he breaks a few big runs, then that’s news for the Huskies.
10. Psalm Wooching, LB, Washington
Wooching must be disruptive. He led the Huskies with six sacks, and he can help create some chaos against an Alabama offense that had 19 turnovers this season. If Washington is going to win the turnover battle, then Wooching must be a factor.
