After a season full of peaks and valleys for Alabama, it was able to end the 2022 season on a high note as it secured a blowout win over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.
One of the main plot lines entering the game was the Crimson Tide’s lack of any opt-outs throughout its roster and their impacts were felt greatly throughout the game.
First and foremost, quarterback Bryce Young who likely capped off his final game in an Alabama uniform showed up in a big way throwing for five touchdowns and over 300 passing yards on the day. Despite some early struggles, Young connected on several deep pass plays to Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brook, Cameron Latu and Kobe Prentice.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner was given an ovation as he left the field in the fourth quarter as he ended the game completing 15-of-21 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide also struggled early on especially stopping the Kansas State ground game led by running back Deuce Vaughn. Vaughn rushed for over 130 yards on the day including an 88-yard scoring rush.
But after it secured a big fourth down stop near the end of the second quarter, the unit pulled things together with defensive back Brian Branch leading the way.
Branch recorded 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and one interception on the day as he likely raised his NFL Draft stock quite a bit after his performance.
Senior defensive back Jordan Battle also added an interception in the game which was his first of the 2022 season.
With many questions surrounding Alabama’s culture leading into the game, the Crimson Tide have answered the bell in a big way as it now builds for the future.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
