INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
WHEN ALABAMA HAS THE BALL
The Crimson Tide’s top-ranked defense dominates the spotlight, but Lane Kiffin’s explosive attack averaged more than 40 points per game this season, led by dynamic, dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts. The ground game remains strong behind Damien
Harris (7.4 yards per carry) and is even more dangerous when Hurts has the ball, having set a school-record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Washington led the nation with 33 takeaways and ranked eighth in allowing 17.2 points per game, backed by one of the strongest secondaries in the nation. Nevertheless, if the Huskies force Hurts to win through the air, the true freshman has multiple top-level targets — Calvin Ridley, ArDarius
Stewart and O.J. Howard. Edge: Alabama.
WHEN WASHINGTON HAS THE BALL
Quarterback Jake Browning (right) has turned the Huskies into an offensive juggernaut, averaging more than 44 points per game, but the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year’s performance against the two toughest defenses of the season — two interceptions at home against USC, and 9-of-24 on a neutral field against Colorado — bodes poorly for a meeting with the best defense in the nation in a de facto road game. The sophomore will have trouble breathing against one of the best front sevens in the sport’s history, and Huskies running backs
Myles Gaskin (5.9 yards per carry) and Lavon
Coleman (7.8 yards) will have trouble helping, facing a defense allowing just 63.4 rushing yards per game and 11.8 points. Alabama may be just as likely to score on defense, having done so 10 times this season. Edge: Alabama.
SPECIAL TEAMS
This could provide the quick momentum swing Washington needs. John Ross has returned a school-record four kickoffs for TDs in his career, while Dante Pettis has two touchdowns on punts this season and ranked 12th in the nation with 12.3 yards per punt return. Nevertheless, Alabama is just as dangerous, having returned four punts for touchdowns and taking a blocked punt in for a score. Edge: Even.
COACHING
Washington isn’t supposed to be here yet. Entering the season, the Huskies had most recently won double-digit games in 2000. How Chris Petersen made the program a national power in just three seasons is remarkable, but it shouldn’t have been a surprise. His .817 win percentage trails only Urban Meyer among active coaches. He posted two undefeated seasons at Boise State, and has led his teams to multiple big upsets, most famously over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. But Nick Saban can’t be compared with his peers. He’s measured against history, and soon may be considered better than any coach that has ever stood on a sideline. Already with five national championships, Saban will tie Paul “Bear” Bryant for the most all-time titles if he can win an unprecedented fifth in eight years. Edge: Alabama.