Alabama vs. Notre Dame: 3 players to watch in Rose Bowl semifinal

2. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame

All the talk leading up to the Rose Bowl has been, and will continue to be, on Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book. Everyone thinks it will take the game of Book’s life for the Irish to have a fighting chance in keeping pace with the Crimson Tide.

But for my money, Notre Dame finding offensive balance will be key to it being competitive and ultimately having a realistic shot at pulling the upset.

This Alabama front-seven is not nearly as physically imposing and dominant as the 2012 team that pushed the Irish around eight years ago. It has been susceptible to giving up sustained drives on the ground, and Notre Dame’s best hope is grinding it out with Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree to keep the powerful Alabama offense on the sideline, and to ease pressure off of Book.

Williams has had a tremendous sophomore season in South Bend, eclipsing 1,000 yards with 12 touchdowns. Look for a steady dose of Williams and Tyree – who has been the bigger home run threat – as Notre Dame looks to put together long, sustained drives.

Williams was the star in Notre Dame’s regular season win over Clemson, rushing for 140 yards and punching in three touchdowns on the ground. In the rematch, however, Clemson held him to just 50 yards on 15 attempts. If the Irish can’t open up running lanes for Williams, they could find themselves in an early deficit that forces the gameplan to be thrown out and for Book to try and win the game with his arm.

It would also allow Will Anderson and company the ability to pin their ears back and go get the quarterback.