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

By Charles Rahrig V

Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Darrell Daniels (15) celebrates with wide receiver John Ross (1) after scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Pac-12 championship at Levi
Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Darrell Daniels (15) celebrates with wide receiver John Ross (1) after scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Pac-12 championship at Levi /
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Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) celebrates a defensive stop against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) celebrates a defensive stop against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Shut down Alabama’s passing game

Jalen Hurts is a dynamic freshman quarterback that can make opposing defenses pay with his legs along with his arm. Washington’s secondary is one of the best in the nation and Kevin King and Budda Baker are a big reason why that is.

If Hurts tries to hit ArDarius Stewart deep, then King will have to keep up with him with his size and length. Budda Baker will have to provide help over the top and make sure that the Alabama wide receivers get no separation.

The Crimson Tide are going to try and control this game in the trenches and give Hurts all day to make decisions. The secondary has to figure out a way to lure him into making mistakes and keeping Alabama off the board.

A key turnover or a big stop could be just what they need early to get a little momentum going. There’s a reason Washington is where they are today and that’s because they’re just as good on defense as they are on offense.

Hurts has passed every test on the big stage this season and now he’s going to have his biggest test yet. This might be the best secondary he faces all year and he will have to really think about his decision making on each play.

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