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The first of four New Years Eve games takes place in New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Kansas State, the Big 12 Champion, takes on Alabama. Kansas State will have back-to-back bowl appearances under Chris Kleiman, making three bowl appearances in four years since he became the head coach. This will be Alabama’s 19th consecutive bowl game appearance and 15th with Nick Saban.
When: Saturday, December 31st @ 12:00 PM ET
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Who: Alabama vs. Kansas State
Spread & Total: Alabama -7; O/U 56.5
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Tale of the Take: Alabama Crimson Tide
Even with losses of Jameson Williams and John Metchie III, Bryce Young still had a remarkable season. Young averaged 8.4 YPA while throwing 27 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. A duo of running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan led the charge at running back splitting the workload.
Alabama has forced 15 turnovers on defense this year. The Crimson Tide have allowed just 3.5 yards per carry to opponents, the 3rd best mark in the SEC. The 5.6 yards per attempt opposing quarterbacks average is the 3rd best mark nationally. But the best news for the Crimson Tide is there are no opt outs, meaning Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. will play one last time for Alabama before embarking on their NFL journey.
Opt Outs: N/A
Transfer Portal Departures:
WR Traeshon Holden (25 receptions for 331 receiving yards for 6 touchdowns)
RB Trey Sanders
WR JoJo Earle (12 receptions for 155 receiving yards for 2 touchdowns)
WR Aaron Anderson
OT Damieon George Jr.
G Javion Cohen (2nd Team All-SEC Selection)
G Tanner Bowles
OT Amari Knight
OT Tommy Brockermeyer
CB Khyree Jackson
Players to Know:
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Second Team All-SEC Selection. Leads team with 136 rushing attempts for 850 rushing yards (6.3 YPA) and 7 touchdowns. Added 42 receptions (most on the team) for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns
LB Will Anderson Jr.
First Team All-SEC Selection. Has had a historic three-year career at Alabama. Trails Derrick Thomas for school records in sacks (34.5) and tackles for loss (62). Two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, awarded to the top defensive player in college football. Only the 2nd player to take home the award twice
Tale of the Tape: Kansas State Wildcats
The emergence of Will Howard has been massive for Kansas State. Kansas State has averaged 41 PPG in his starts, outscoring their opponents 205-89. Duece Vaugh has done it all for Kansas State. Vaugh has accounted for 313 touches on the year, including 42 receptions (2nd on team), over 1,803 total yards and 11 total touchdowns.
Kansas State has a bend but don’t break defense. While they are middle of the road in yards per game allowed, Kansas State ranks top-20 in scoring. Kansas State ranks 2nd in turnover margin (+14) in large part to 16 interceptions. Kansas State was 7-0 when picking off the opposing quarterback; 3-2 when they didn’t record an interception.
Opt Outs: N/A
Transfer Portal Departures:
LB Krew Jackson
CB TJ Smith
Player to Know:
QB Will Howard
Stepped up for an injured Adrian Martinez. 101/164 (61.6%) for 1,423 passing yards (8.7 YPA) for 15 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. 5-0 in starts
DL Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. 44 tackles (11.0 for loss). 8.5 sacks led the team. Forced 2 fumbles on the season
Bowl Game Trends:
- Alabama is 3-2 in non-CFP/BCS Championship games under Nick Saban
- Per Chris Fallica, ranked SEC teams since 2019 are 13-3 in bowl games
Game Synopsis:
Alabama being out of the College Football Playoff feels like a disappointment for the season. But to the surprise of many, the stars are playing rather than opting out for the NFL Draft. Kansas State has benefitted from a strong turnover margin (+14), picking off opposing quarterbacks 16 times. But Bryce Young isn’t turnover prone; Young is throwing an interception on just 1.4% of his pass attempts. Kansas State’s three losses have come against top-25 scoring teams (1-3); Alabama ranks 4th. This is the best offense Kansas State has faced, and I think it will show. Roll Tide in the Sugar Bowl.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: Alabama
Bowl Mania Confidence: 35/43
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