Know Your Opponent: Okay-State desires Bama

No. 9 Okay-State (10-3) (7-2)

Kansas State has a singular alternative to take down Alabama even with a yr of trials. All through the season, the Wildcats have handled accidents since recreation one after they misplaced guard Taylor Poitier; quarterback Adrian Martinez and security Kobe Savage have additionally missed time with accidents. They even misplaced key gamers within the Massive 12 Championship recreation resembling extensive receiver Malik Knowles and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe who have been changed by freshman extensive receiver RJ Garcia II and extensive receiver-turned-cornerback Keenan Garber. It is going to be all palms on deck to take the win towards Alabama.

No. 5 Alabama (10-2) (6-2)

The Crimson Tide enter each season anticipating to be nationwide champions, however now discover themselves simply out of the school soccer playoff. Affected by a stunning two losses, the workforce was supported by the pass-rushing excellence of outdoor linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and the heroic efforts of quarterback Bryce Younger. Alabama possesses nice expertise, although some key gamers might not be seen within the matchup. Whereas some Crimson Tide stars could put together for the upcoming NFL Draft, the remainder of the workforce nonetheless has a battle to arrange for towards the Wildcats.

Matchup to Watch: Alabama Stars vs. The NFL Draft

The dream matchup for the Wildcats could also be spoiled by future endeavors. Ten Alabama gamers already entered the switch portal, and a number of gamers who’re prone to declare for the NFL Draft could sit out of the Sugar Bowl to keep away from damage. There’s an unlikely probability of Alabama having all their most important stars out on the sector in New Orleans. 

The highest prospects within the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft from Alabama embrace Younger, Anderson Jr., working again Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, security Jordan Battle and cornerbacks Eli Ricks and Brian Department. All seven gamers have an opportunity to go within the first spherical, with Younger and Anderson Jr. prone to go within the top-five picks. Probably dropping most Alabama stars would drive extra inexperienced gamers to go towards a veteran Okay-State workforce. The worst case for the Crimson Tide can be if Younger sits out. As a Heisman finalist, Younger has been the principle catalyst at maintaining the Crimson Tide afloat in an off yr. It’s practically assured that multiple of those gamers will sit out the sport, giving Okay-State the sting in workforce continuity and expertise. 

Associated:

Kansas State wins 2022 Massive 12 Championship

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Key Gamers

Okay-State: 

Middle Hayden Gillum

Nostril Guard Eli Huggins

Alabama:

Operating Again Jase McClellan 

Security DeMarcco Hellams

Prediction: Okay-State 24-23