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College Football Playoff: Washington can upset Alabama if they do these 5 things

By Michael Collins

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi /
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Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch defended by Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) in the third quarter during the Pac-12 championship at Levi
Dec 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch defended by Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) in the third quarter during the Pac-12 championship at Levi /

Put Alabama’s Secondary To The Test

Running the ball effectively may be one of the keys, but Washington also needs to rely on what got them here, and that’s quarterback play from Jake Browning and some outstanding speed and talent in his targets John Ross and Dante Pettis.

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Even if the running game isn’t going as well as hoped, Browning will need to air the ball out and put Alabama’s corners and safeties in positions where they are forced to make plays.

Alabama wasn’t quite as good against the pass as they were the run, however finishing 15th nationally and only giving up 184.5 passing yards per game is still tough. Where this secondary has shown some flaws is against the big plays.

The Tide have given up 11 passing touchdowns and 29 pass plays of 30 or more yards. That means if Ross and Pettis can get some separation, the chance for some big plays will be there. Most importantly, the o-line has to protect Browning to give those receivers time to get downfield.

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