These players could be X-Factors for Alabama football vs. Wisconsin in Week 3

Following a 73-0 blowout win over UL Monroe, the vibes around the Alabama football team are much improved. But a dominant win over a Sun Belt opponent could easily be fool's gold; it's up to the Crimson Tide to be able to sustain that high level of play and effort moving forward.

They'll get a good test for that this weekend when Wisconsin travels to Tuscaloosa. The Badgers may not be among the Big Ten's elite right now, but they are a quality power conference opponent that is more than capable of exposing the numerous flaws Alabama displayed during its Week 1 loss to Florida State.

Even against UL Monroe - and in the midst of the blowout - there were still some concerns that popped up. It may have looked mostly perfect, but it wasn't. Better teams will take advantage of some things Alabama has put on tape, just ask DC Kane Wommack.

Let's take a look at three* players who could be vitally important to the Tide's success against Wisconsin.

3 Alabama players who could be X-Factors against Wisconsin

DL LT Overton

A lot was expected from senior DL LT Overton coming into his senior season. He was one of the top players in the country last season in pressure rate, though that only led to two sacks for the season. An improved finishing ability is all that separates Overton from taking a giant leap into All-American territory.

Unfortunately, through two games, it has been more of the same from him. Overton has yet to record a sack this year, but does have 1.5 tackles-for-loss.

As a defense, Alabama has only generated one sack this season, and that came from safety Keon Sabb against Florida State.

If Alabama's defense wants to reach its lofty preseason goals, it has to generate more pressure and more sacks. Overton needs to do his part and become the stud pass rusher many expected him to be this year.

LB Yhonzae Pierre

Yhonzae Pierre's six tackles through two games match his total from all of last season. He's heavily in the rotation at Wolf LB and might be the most talented pure pass rusher on the roster at this very minute. Pierre has produced two tackles-for-loss through the first two games, and while he hasn't gotten a sack yet, either, he did make a big play last week against UL Monroe.

Pierre pressured ULM QB Aidan Armenta, delivering a hit on his arm as he released the ball. The ball floated in the air and was ultimately intercepted by LB Justin Jefferson.

Pierre can be a difference maker - one Alabama needs to produce more havoc plays in the backfield.

The right side of the offensive line

This may be a cop out, but the right side of the offensive line is not only vital for Alabama's ability to find offensive balance against Wisconsin, but it's going to be key for the season moving forward. This seems like it needs to be the game it comes together because Georgia is next on the schedule.

Alabama has started RG Geno VanDeMark and RT Wilkin Formby in both games so far, but there's competition at both spots. I would expect Jaeden Roberts (RG) and freshman Michael Carroll (RT) to rotate in early against the Badgers.

Alabama struggled to run the football against Florida State. If the right side of the line doesn't play better, they'll struggle again against Wisconsin. The Badgers have been stout against the run through the first two games - a big improvement from last season when the Tide physically overwhelmed them in Madison:

It remains to be seen whether Jam Miller will play this weekend, but regardless of who is in the backfield, the offensive line will need to get a push and open up some running lanes to maintain balance and avoid putting the entire game on the shoulders of Ty Simpson.