The Alabama Crimson Tide got a huge spark to end the first half of the 2016 Peach Bowl with a monster Ryan Anderson pick-six
For those who thought that the 2016 Peach Bowl was going to be a blowout in favor of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Washington Huskies had other plans early on. Chris Petersen’s Pac-12 Champions took the lead at 7-0 and the defense was playing some of their best football of the year. Washington had the ball with time winding down in the first half only trailing 10-7. So it seemed that maybe the Huskies could tie it up. Instead, Nick Saban’s group did what they’ve done all season, this time courtesy of Ryan Anderson.
Washington quarterback Jake Browning started off solid, but has been shaky under pressure all season. And with the pass-rush of the Crimson Tide, that’s not a comforting situation for the Huskies to be in. He had withstood it well early, but the end of the first half was too much for him.
Browning dropped back to pass and felt the rush trying to get at him. As a result, the sophomore gunslinger forced a throw to the outside. Rather than connect, though, the forced throw was pounced on by Anderson. And with blockers and green grass ahead, the Alabama stud took off all the way to the house for the pick-six:
The return may have only been 26 yards, but it felt like 300 given the situation. That’s back-breaking for Washington and a huge spark for Alabama.
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If you need any indication of just how good this Tide defense is, that was the first defensive touchdown Washington has allowed all season. That’s what Saban’s Alabama does to teams; they make plays out of even the slightest opportunity. And when you allow them to make that play, you really have no chance from there.