Alabama Football: 3 reasons Crimson Tide will beat Notre Dame in Rose Bowl

3. DeVonta Smith will have a big game

One of the most dominant playmakers this season is Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who was named the AP Player of the Year on Tuesday. He is the first-ever wide receiver to be named as the AP Player of the Year.

Smith’s impact on the field has been significant since his freshman season but it increased to a tremendous level last year. As a junior, Smith caught 68 passes for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns with a loaded receiving corps. This season, Smith caught 98 passes for 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns. His productivity increased significantly when Jaylen Waddle suffered a broken ankle against Tennessee in the middle of the season.

The Tide are ranked third in the nation in passing yards per game (344.9).

While Smith isn’t worried about getting the Heisman Trophy this season, he is looking to finish his senior season by winning the national championship. The Tide will be facing a Notre Dame defense that is ranked 54th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (209). They have a more impactful front-seven than their secondary.

The defense for Notre Dame has 47 pass deflections and seven interceptions. Smith is one of the most dangerous receivers in the nation as his combination of elite speed, great catchability, distinctive ability to run multiple routes, and superior athleticism makes him one a tough receiver to face.

If there is an opportunity of weakness such as weak coverage or an open hole deep in the field, Smith is going to exploit it. He could potentially have another multiple touchdown and a 200-yard performance.