With Alabama ending its fifth bowl practice and Nick Saban expressing what he wants from this team and its fan base, we are one week away from a showdown in Atlanta between the Crimson Tide and Washington.
While this is not Alabama’s first rodeo, Chris Petersen makes his first appearance in the College Football Playoff as Washington’s head coach. Despite carrying a talented quarterback and a crop of playmaking wide receivers on the roster, the Huskies maintain balance on offense with a strong rushing attack.
Sophomore running back Myles Gaskin averages 103 yards per game.
Its offense is explosive, but don’t let the high-flying pigskin fool you. Washington also carries a physical defense that has created 37 sacks, 19 interceptions and 19 forced fumbles this season. Even with all the good, Petersen walks into a match-up against the top-ranked program in college football. Alabama defense in first in the nation in rush defense (63.4 ypg), total defense (248 ypg), scoring defense (11.8 ypg) and defensive touchdowns (10), while its offense averages 40.5 points and 471.3 yards per game.
Listed below are Alabama’s impact stars heading into next week’s game vs. Washington.
5. Josh Jacobs, Running back
The Pac-12 is a league of speed, and Josh Jacobs has much to burn.
He’s made a solid contribution as a true freshman, totaling 551 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 83 carries through 13 games. His decisiveness on quick cuts and acceleration in space make a nightmare to tackle.
If one takes his production at receiver into consideration, 13 catches for 159 yards, it does enough to draw Washington’s attention. A lot of focus has been placed on Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, but with Huskies down two linebackers—tackling Jacobs in open field will provide a challenge.
4. Tony Brown, Defensive back
Tony Brown was not on the field for last year’s College Football Playoff, and that’s motivation in itself. After being sent home for a violation of team rules, the junior defensive back has an opportunity to avenge himself.
Since returning from suspension and filling in for Eddie Jackson, Brown has been an impact player on defense and special teams. Known for his physicality and ball skills, he anticipates locking down a solid Huskies wide receiver unit (John Ross, leader). He enters the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl with two interceptions and 20 tackles.
3. Calvin Ridley, Wide receiver
Calvin Ridley has yet to be featured in a lot of deep shots this season, but it was against Michigan State in 2015 where he made his money. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin successfully created mismatches for him, aiding the sophomore (freshman then) to 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
Regardless of how good Washington’s secondary is, Kiffin will look to generate one-on-opportunities with Ridley. He leads the team in receptions with 66, while accounting for 727 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Coconut Creek, Fla., native has turned in just one 100-yard performance through 13 games (Kentucky), however, defenses must remain mindful of him.
2. Rashaan Evans, Linebacker
Like Minkah Fitzpatrick, the “next man up” role is now real for Rashaan Evans.
He’s been tapped as the guy that will replace Shaun Dion Hamilton (knee) in the team’s nickel and dime formations. Evans served admirably in the Southeastern Conference title game, recording three tackles and leading a goal line stand in the third quarter. His presence as a edge rusher made him a high-prized recruit in 2014, but now the junior has developed instincts as an inside ‘backer.’
The Auburn, Ala., native has registered 35 total tackles, including three for loss, 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. Evans recorded the Tide’s lone two sacks of Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
1. Jalen Hurts, Quarterback
Every bowl practice is crucial for Jalen Hurts in becoming a better passer.
Though he’s had a star-studded freshman year, the Texas native won’t have much room for error versus Washington. Production wise, this will be the most talented defensive backfield Hurts has faced all season (19 interceptions). In the same respect, he poses a challenge for the Huskies on the perimeter in being a dynamic runner. The 6-foot-2, 209-pounder has collected four 100-yard rushing performances, all of which came against SEC competition (Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Mississippi State).
Overall, he’s amassed 2,592 passing yards, 841 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
