More than ever, Alabama is going to need some X-Factors to step up to have a shot at beating No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Thursday.
The Crimson Tide is a touchdown underdog against the Hoosiers. But for the first time in a long time, Alabama is as close to full strength as it can possibly get.
Alabama had several X-Factors step up to lift the Crimson Tide from the depths of defeat to beat Oklahoma on the road in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. Trailing 17-0, the Crimson Tide responded with a 34-7 run to finish the game and advance to the quarterfinals.
That included freshman WR Lotzeir Brooks, who came up with several big-time catches and his first two touchdowns of the season. Defensively, Keon Keeley and Kelby Collins both made major impacts in place of LT Overton. They both finished with a sack. Overton will be back for the Rose Bowl, providing another lift for the Crimson Tide.
3 players who could be X-Factors for Alabama vs. Indiana
1. WR Ryan Williams
It's been a difficult sophomore season for Ryan Williams. After exploding onto the scene as a 17-year-old freshman a year ago, he's endured a sophomore slump in 2025.
Williams hasn't caught more than three passes in a game since late October against South Carolina. Drops have been the biggest culprit for his drop off in production and his lowered usage. Williams has an FBS-leading 10 dropped passes this year, including a crucial one on a third down against Oklahoma in the CFP early in the second half.
Now is as good a time as any for a big performance by Williams to change the entire narrative of his season. If he can come up with a big play or two, his struggles will be long forgotten. Legends are made on the biggest of stages, and there's no bigger stage than the Rose Bowl.
2. RB Jam Miller
Indiana's gameplan against Alabama is obvious. Hoosiers LB Isaiah Jones said as much a couple of days ago: "We are going to try to make them play with their opposite hand," Jones said.
That means they are going to try to take away Ty Simpson and the prolific Alabama passing attack, forcing the Crimson Tide to do what they haven't done well most of the season: run the football.
Alabama hasn't been a good running team this year, but it also feels like we've jumped the shark in acting like it has been worse than it is. A fully healthy Alabama team has found some moderate success on the ground, typically sparked by senior RB Jam Miller.
Miller ran for 136 yards against Vanderbilt in October and produced 83 yards on 15 attempts in the Iron Bowl against a stout Auburn front before being knocked out of the game.
Miller has had a frustrating season. He has struggled with multiple injuries throughout the year that caused him to miss four games and play several less than 100%. By his own admission, he's 100% healthy heading into the Rose Bowl, and he could ultimately prove to be a difference maker for the Tide.
If Miller can provide a spark on the ground, it will open things up for Alabama's vertical passing attack.
3. DL LT Overton
It will be interesting to see if senior Bandit LT Overton is on a pitch count in the Rose Bowl. After missing the Crimson Tide's last two games, how ready he is for his normal role remains to be seen. Kane Wommack praised Overton for staying in shape, but the proof will be on the field.
The good news for Alabama is that it has developed quality depth at his position this season. Keon Keeley, Jordan Renaud, and Kelby Collins are capable of giving Alabama good snaps at defensive end, and they'll all likely see plenty of reps in Pasadena.
But Overton is the unquestioned leader of the group, and if he can perform to his capabilities, then he can make life difficult for Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana offense.