
Since beginning play in 1892, the program claims 18 national championships, including 13 wire-service ( AP or Coaches') national titles in the poll-era, and five other titles before the poll-era. The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history. The team's head coach is Nick Saban, who has led the Tide to six national championships over his tenure. The team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Alabama Crimson Tide football program represents the University of Alabama (variously Alabama, UA, or Bama) in the sport of American football. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football vs.Penn State ( rivalry) Tennessee ( rivalry) If the Crimson Tide doesn't come out sharp, Kansas State will have a shot to win this, despite Alabama having the talent edge. The key will be making sure Alabama plays with intensity despite this not being a playoff game. participating helps the Crimson Tide immensely. Score predictionĪlabama 30, Kansas State 20: Quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. 53 in the country, surrendering 365.8 yards per game. The total defense for the Wildcats is ranked No. The defense as a whole surrendered an average of 20.1 points per game this season, the best in the Big 12. Nate Matlack, Jaylen Pickle, some of these guys are really the beneficiaries of what Felix can do and how disruptive he can be." In part because of himself but also as the by‑product of the attention Felix garners. "And he's made life a lot easier for a guy like Brendan Mott who has had a tremendous year. "We've seen teams that have turned their protection to him when we give no other looks," Wildcats defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman said. Anudike-Uzomah is just at the top of the list. He has tallied 8.5 sacks this season and has 11 tackles for loss.īut Alabama will have others on the Wildcats defense to prevent from affecting the offense. The defensive end can create problems, and Alabama would be wise to make sure he is blocked well. "Every season has those twists and turns that you never know are coming, and both of them have handled each side of it in stride." Blocking Felix Anudike-Uzomah is paramount "What they have done this year, it has kind of galvanized our unit, quite honestly," Klein said. Klein said Kansas State would love to get Martinez on the field now that he is healthy. Martinez could return to the field in some capacity, though.

On the season, Howard has completed 101 of 164 passes for 1,423 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions over six games and four starts. Howard has been the guy each of the past three games, passing for two touchdowns in each of those starts. He's now the starter, and offensive coordinator Collin Klein confirmed Thursday that Howard will remain the starter for the Sugar Bowl even with Martinez healthy. An injury opened the door to Will Howard, though. Two quarterbacks have helped Kansas State get to the Sugar Bowl.įirst, it was Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez. PRACTICE REPORT: What we saw inside Alabama football's practice Wednesday ahead of the Sugar Bowl Examining the quarterbacks There's more to Kansas State's offense than defending Vaughn, but he has to be a focus.ĪLABAMA FOOTBALL: Why ex-RB Henry To'oTo'o is key to Alabama football stopping Deuce Vaughn in Sugar Bowl The two-time consensus All-American has ran for 1,425 yards on 271 carries this season with eight rushing touchdowns. He's Kansas State's scoring leader this season with 11 touchdowns. He also has speed and burst and can be a weapon in the passing game. He's an impact player.Įven at his size, he isn't afraid to run up the middle. We put ourselves up against the best."Here's our scouting report and score prediction for Alabama's matchup against Kansas State. It's a really good challenge and a really good test for us. "We didn't just come here because, 'Oh, it's cool, we're playing Alabama.' We came here to win. "We didn't just come here for a participation trophy," Kansas State quarterback Will Howard said. Alabama has won its past three (Ole Miss, Austin Peay, Auburn). Kansas State has won its past four games (Baylor, West Virginia, Kansas and TCU).

3 while the Crimson Tide watched the SEC Championship Game from home. The Wildcats won the Big 12 Championship Game over TCU on Dec. Kansas State has played one more game than Alabama.
