College Football Playoff 2016: 5 keys to victory for Alabama in Peach Bowl

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) react after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks to pass during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jalen Hurts has to be ready for the big stage

It’s very rare for a freshman quarterback to be playing on such a large stage. Jalen Hurts isn’t your typical freshman quarterback however. He’s been tested every way imaginable in his first year with the Crimson Tide and he’s passed each test with no problems.

Now, Hurts will take on his biggest test yet in the College Football Playoff. He’s thrived thus far under pressure and will have to show that he won’t let the moment get to him against the Washington Huskies in the Peach Bowl.

The Huskies have a strong secondary with several players that will make you pay. If Hurts isn’t careful with the football, he could put his team behind early. He needs to be smart and make the wise decisions on each play.

The Tide will have their chances to put up points and they might try to pound the run game a little more than normal against the Huskies. When Hurts does decide to drop back, he will have to know where his receivers are and more importantly, where the likes of Budda Baker and Kevin King are.

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