In Alabama And Washington's Peach Bowl matchup, It's All About The QBs

Sports Illustrated ^ | Andy Stables

[blam]

•If Washington can get pressure on Alabama QB Jalen Hurts, the Crimson Tide could be vulnerable. But the Huskies need QB Jake Browning to have time to take advantage.

Andy Staples
Wednesday December 28th, 2016

Who wants Bama? Washington does. Huskies coach Chris Petersen did excellent work as an underdog at Boise State, and now his team will get the ultimate underdog experience against the undefeated defending national champ in the Peach Bowl. Alabama coach Nick Saban has told anyone who would listen since the playoff field was announced that Washington will be the best team the Crimson Tide have faced all season. Saban, who often speaks to his players through the media, does not want them to underestimate the Pac-12 champions. But he’s also telling the truth; Washington probably will be the best team Alabama has played so far.

1. Time for Jalen Hurts to take the next step

True freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts has turned Alabama’s attack into one of the nation’s most versatile thanks to his running ability, but he hasn’t had a chance to run the full offense yet. “Once we realized how talented he was, we needed to play him right away,” Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said. “We didn’t have two years to develop him, so how can we simplify the offense to do the things he can do best?” The extended break between the SEC title game and the Peach Bowl offered the first chance for Hurts to go back to basics at practice as the starter.

Hurts’s yards per attempt dropped by nearly a full yard (from 8.1 to 7.2) as Alabama faced better defenses in its last seven games, but his completion percentage remained high. He currently ranks No. 13 in the nation at 65.3%.

(snip)

[blam]

- Roll Tide -

[chesley]

Rammer Jammer

[Steve_Seattle]

Late in the season, UW QB Jake Browning had two or three games where he was off-target, throwing a lot of high balls. For the UW to stay in the game, he needs to be on-target.

[Migraine]

Alabama has guys on their bench that could field a top-10 team. Their depth will wear Washington out. Washington will be good for a while, I think; but they can’ hang for 4 qtrs. IMO.

[dainbramaged]

If Jake can get the passing game going, the Huskies have a chance. We all know how good Alabama is, but coach Chris Hansen will have the Dawgs ready. I can’t wait.

[eddie willers]

Alabama has guys on their bench that could field a top-10 team. Their depth will wear Washington out.

Washington will probably be giddy after the first quarter and wonder what hit them in the fourth.

[SanchoP]

Exactly. This year is another Saban coached team. Bama has played a couple of terrible first halves but by the 4th quarter they’ve physically beat down their opponents.

[Steven Scharf]

It’s Chris Peterson.

[RainMan]

I went to the ASU game, and there was talk in the stands that Browning may have injured a rib at some point, which would account for the sudden change in accuracy. If so, he has had quite a few weeks off for it to heal, so we may get the Jake that destroyed Oregon instead of the Jake that was off target against USC.

I believe another reason we struggled against USC is BECAUSE Jake was having such a hard time finding his targets that they tee'd off against the run. If Jake is on target, they wont be able to key on the run.

The final variable that I just don't see people giving enough credit to is Chris Petersen. Chris consistently got Boise State, which had a bunch of nobodies, into top bowls. I think a big part of this was his ability to be super creative. Now he finally has a program with real recruiting depth, but he is still one of the most creative coaches in college football. I fully expect him to pull out all the stops and keep 'bama's heads spinning. Expect everything from pound it down their throat, quick slants, 5 wide, Jet Sweeps, Wildcat, Reverses, including passes off reverses, Halfback Passes, Read Options and more. When Petersen has a month to prepare for someone, look out!

[Demanwideplan]

LSU was and will be the best team Alabama faced or will face. Final score of the LSU game was 10 - 0. Alabama will beat the Huskies like the PAC 12 wimps they are. The PAC 12 is a very very weak conference.

[T-Bird45]

Expect everything from pound it down their throat, quick slants, 5 wide, Jet Sweeps, Wildcat, Reverses, including passes off reverses, Halfback Passes, Read Options and more. When Petersen has a month to prepare for someone, look out!

If any part of your expectations are fulfilled, we'll at least be entertained and that's what I want in the bowl season.

[wyowolf]

Bama is certainly a top level team....but certainly beatable...OSU did it and it wasnt even close. Can W win?? Of course...will they? Maybe.

[dainbramaged]

Shows my knowledge, huh? I typed in my cousin’s name. Thanks.

[Darth Mall]

BFL

[Fiji Hill]

Come on, Washington. Go out and dog 'em around!

[Mariner]

I sympathize with your situation.

Jake Browning is a rare savant.

From the time he was playing at Folsom High School outside Sacramento, he has established the winningest record in State history. Passing yards, touchdowns, come from behind wins...all those state records are his.

Not to mention state championships.

And this from a school in a town of 45,000. He was so good he lifted the entire team. His feats are legendary.

It will be a long day for the Tide defense.

[wyowolf]

But hellery has more money bigger ground game and is completely unbeatable.

[canalabamian]

Give em hell, Alabama!

[MHGinTN]

The numbers at half-time will tell the story ... if the WA QB is 8 for ten or eleven, THEN it will be a long day for the Tide D. WA is about to play against SEC speed and muscle ...

[Mariner]

He is healthy and will make the Tide secondary look silly.

Then he’ll start throwing up the middle to his tight end and backs, and make the linebackers looks silly.

Then he’ll start handing the ball off, play action, and make ‘em all look silly.