Grading Alabama football in Sugar Bowl vs. Kansas State: Does Crimson Tide get an A+?
NEW ORLEANS ― No matter the game, no matter the stage, it's always good to finish the year well on the final test.
The slow start wasn't ideal, but that proved to be not much more than a blip on the radar. The Alabama football offense dominated for a good chunk of the game, and the defense made plays when needed. The Crimson Tide defeated Kansas State 45-20 on Saturday in the Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome.
Here's how we graded No. 5 Alabama (11-2) against No. 9 Kansas State (10-4).
Offense: A-
The offense started the game flat after a month off. The receivers and quarterback Bryce Young couldn't connect. Then everyone woke up. Players such as running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Jermaine Burton served as catalysts as Young did his thing. Alabama scored a touchdown on five straight offensive drives at one point.
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Defense: B
Deuce Vaughn's 88-yard touchdown run looked like a killer early play, but that was the only major blemish. Kansas State had success moving the ball, but the defense did well at limiting the Wildcats on the scoreboard. See the goal-line stand right before the end of the first half.
Special teams: A
Running back Roydell Williams had an impressive first-half special teams tackle, then he recovered an onside kick attempt from Kansas State to start the second half. He headlined Alabama's special teams efforts. Kicker Will Reichard also booted a late 49-yard field goal.
Coaching: B+
Alabama's game plan on offense and defense to start wasn't working well. But the Crimson Tide made adjustments on both sides of the ball, and the changes were successful. Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien dialed up some big pass plays that Kansas State couldn't handle.
Overall: B+
It's not how you start but how you play in the second and third quarter, apparently. Alabama could have mailed it in for this bowl that wasn't a College Football Playoff game, but the Crimson Tide played hard and dominated for most of the game.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football: Bryce Young, Nick Saban Sugar Bowl grades
