Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from impressive Rose Bowl win over Notre Dame

Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with wide receiver John Metchie III (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with wide receiver John Metchie III (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) stiff arms Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) stiff arms Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The amount of Alabama’s weapons is similar to 2019 LSU

It takes a special offense to put up the type of numbers that LSU’s did last season. A Heisman quarterback, a first round running back, and three high draft-level wide receivers. Add a matchup nightmare in Thaddeous Moss and it’s hard to beat.

It is incredible to think that just one year later, Alabama replicated the amount of talent around Jones. Harris made his presence early with a 53-yard run that included a highlight-reel hurdle.

Even without Waddle after being injured early in the season, the talent level didn’t fall off. Metchie would get a bigger role and make the most of his opportunities. His 782 yards and six touchdowns, he would become Smith’s partner.

Billingsley stands 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, yet he plays like a wide receiver and plays similar to Moss from LSU. Billingsley is used more as a wide receiver however, playing more often in the slot. He was even on special teams, returning kicks near the end of the first half.

https://twitter.com/AlabamaDieHards/status/1345134194138214400?s=20

Even Slade Bolden and Miller Forristall are consistent contributors as Bolden replaced Waddle’s position. Forristall is more of a traditional tight end, compared to Billingsley. There is an argument to be made about Jones success, due to play makers surrounding him.

These same elite skill players were on LSU’s team last year and Joe Burrow still ended up winning the Heisman. Burrow is the more mobile and agile quarterback, it should not take away from Jones accolades.