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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Nov 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) gets sacked by Utah Utes linebacker Gionni Paul (13) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Utah won 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Rattle Jake Browning early

Jake Browning is a phenomenal quarterback that put himself in the Heisman conversation this season. However, there was a stretch late in the year where he struggled and just did not look like himself on the field.

After the USC Trojans handed the Huskies their lone loss on the season, it was a bit of a growing period for Browning as a quarterback. He was a bit erratic at times and even threw some passes that he would definitely like to have back.

The Crimson Tide are going to try to get after him early in the Peach Bowl and force him into making mistakes. It’s the same blueprint they ran against Florida in the SEC Championship and it worked to perfection in that game.

If they force Browning into making mistakes early, there’s a very real chance it could compound and have a snowball effect on Washington. Nick Saban’s defenses pride themselves on forcing the issue and this seems like one of those games where they will have a perfect opportunity to do so.

Browning will have the challenge of his life against Alabama. If he can’t make the throws early to help his team, then he’s going to start taking chances that he probably shouldn’t. If the offensive line can’t keep him standing, then this one has the potential to get ugly.

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