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

1. Chris Owens, OL, Alabama

Alabama’s win over Florida came at a massive cost. All-American senior center Landon Dickerson tore his ACL in the fourth quarter of the victory and was lost for the rest of the season. Dickerson has not only been dominant for the Crimson Tide this year, but has also meant a lot as the emotional leader of the team.

He and quarterback Mac Jones have had a rapport together, consistently being in tune when it comes to making the checks at the line of scrimmage. His absence leaves a glaring hole for the Crimson Tide both with his imposing presence on the field, and his leadership in the huddle and the locker room.

Fortunately, it speaks to Alabama’s absurd depth that with Dickerson sidelined, Nick Saban can insert a fifth year senior with previous starting experience into the lineup. Chris Owens has been a versatile player for the Crimson Tide, often serving as the team’s “sixth man” on the line for the better part of the last two seasons. Dickerson’s emergence relegated Owens to the bench last season after he began the season as the starting center, but he has typically been the first lineman off the bench in reserve, regardless of the position.

When right tackle Evan Neal missed the Arkansas game, it was Owens who slid into the starting lineup. Alabama’s offensive line didn’t miss a beat. He did struggle when he came off the bench cold in the fourth quarter to replace Dickerson against Florida, but that was a tough spot for him to get inserted into after spending the entire game on the sideline. With time to prepare as the starter, Owens figures to be in much better form in the semifinal game.

Even still, Alabama’s offensive line has been arguably the top unit in college football this season. The unit has kept Mac Jones clean for long enough to find DeVonta Smith and company down the field, and they’ve opened plenty of holes for Najee Harris to run through.

The Irish bring a talented defensive front to Dallas for the Rose Bowl, and Owens will need to play one of his best games in order for the Crimson Tide to avoid being in a four-quarter dogfight.