It’ll be a party in the Big Easy as Alabama and Kansas State clash in the 2022 Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Wildcats have a chance to win 11 games for the first time in a decade, while Alabama, with its still surprisingly intact core of stars in this game, hopes to avoid snapping its 11-year streak with 11 wins or more.

How We Got Here:

Alabama:

Of course, the Crimson Tide would rather be taking part in a contest later in the day. Bama has made the College Football Playoff seven times, which is more than any other program in the nation. Close road losses to resurgent Tennessee and impassioned LSU were too much for the committee to overlook, however.

Signal-caller Bryce Young, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. decided to finish what they started this campaign and play in this matchup. Both figure to be early selection in the upcoming NFL draft.

Kansas State:

Many Big 12 experts knew Kansas State would be good this season. Not many picked the Wildcats to win the conference, however. They have all the tools to be a great team — a superstar running back in Deuce Vaughn, a veteran transfer quarterback in Adrian Martinez, the newly-promoted offensive coordinator in Collin Klein, and the recently-crowned Big 12 Defensive Player Of The Year Felix Anudike-Uzomah. 

After a tough home loss to Texas, then 6-3 Kansas State went on to win four straight games including the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats aren’t your typical Big 12 champion. Kansas State used its running game and defense to earn a trip to the Sugar Bowl. At the start of the season, if you told Chris Klieman that the Wildcats would be matched up against Alabama in their bowl game, he would call that a successful year. 

Key to Victory for Alabama:

There are very few teams that can match the Crimson Tide in terms of talent. It’s safe to say that the Wildcats aren’t one of them. If the aforementioned Young and Anderson go out and perform like the country is used to seeing, it could be a long day for the opponents.

Key to Victory for Kansas State:

Keep Bryce Young in the pocket or on the sideline. Kansas State’s offense is built for long timely possessions that keep the other offense on the sideline. The longer Young is on the sideline, the better chance the Wildcats have at winning. When he is on the field, Young is phenomenal at extending plays and working off script. Oftentimes that’s when Alabama creates big-play opportunities. Because of this, it’s crucial that Kansas State maintains good gap control and keeps him in the pocket. We saw Kansas State struggle to do this with Max Duggan a few weeks ago. If the Wildcats struggle again, the outcome could be different.

Players to Watch:

Alabama:

#1 RB Jahmyr Gibbs — Jahmyr Gibbs, who decided to transfer from Georgia Tech and don crimson last offseason, has been an impact player for the Tide on the offensive side of the ball. He leads Alabama with 850 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns. He also leads the team in receptions (42) and is third in receiving yards (378).

#10 LB Henry To’oTo’o — Henry To’oTo’o is a tackling machine. He led the team in stops last go-round (111) and is second this year with 89 stops. Defensive back DeMarcco Hellams is the only teammate with more (95).

Kansas State:

#91 DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah — Anudike-Uzomah had 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season. He is an elite pass rusher and will need to be on his A-game with former Heisman winner Bryce Young deciding to play.

#22 RB Deuce Vaughn — Kansas State’s junior running back surpassed the 1,400-yard mark for the second straight year. Vaughn topped 100 yards in eight games this season. The offense goes as he does. His job became a lot harder with Will Anderson Jr. also deciding to play, but if the Wildcats want that 11th win, he will have to come up huge.

Score Predictions:

Adam: I can’t see Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. losing their final game with the Crimson Tide. The over/under for this game is 56. I’d take the under and Alabama wins in a “low” scoring tight game. Alabama 24, Kansas State 21. 

Brendan: The Tide will roll in this one against a foe that isn’t particularly up to their level. Look for a big Alabama win. Alabama 38, Kansas State 10.