Alabama’s X-Factor Watch: Three Players Who Could Swing the Rose Bowl vs. No. 1 Indiana
Alabama’s path to Pasadena hasn’t exactly been smooth, but here they are-preparing to face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl with a shot at the national championship still alive.
The Crimson Tide enter the semifinal as a touchdown underdog, and if they’re going to pull off the upset, they’ll need more than just their stars to shine. They’ll need their X-Factors-the players who may not be front and center but can flip a game on its head with one big moment.
The good news? Alabama is as close to full strength as it’s been in weeks. And if their comeback win over Oklahoma in the opening round of the College Football Playoff is any indication, this team has more than a few hidden aces ready to step up.
Down 17-0 early, Alabama stormed back with a 34-7 run to take down the Sooners. That surge was fueled by a handful of unsung heroes-freshman wideout Lotzeir Brooks hauled in his first two touchdowns of the season, while defensive linemen Keon Keeley and Kelby Collins each notched a sack stepping in for the injured LT Overton.
Now, with Overton returning for the Rose Bowl, Alabama’s depth chart is looking deeper-and more dangerous-than it has in a while. Here are three players who could play pivotal roles in determining whether the Crimson Tide can take down the top-ranked Hoosiers.
1. WR Ryan Williams: Time for a Bounce-Back Moment
Ryan Williams burst onto the scene last year as a 17-year-old phenom, but his sophomore campaign hasn’t followed the same script. Since late October, he hasn’t recorded more than three catches in a game, and drops have been a recurring issue. In fact, no FBS player has more drops this season than Williams’ 10, including a costly third-down miscue against Oklahoma in the CFP.
But here’s the thing about college football: the biggest stages offer the biggest redemption arcs. Williams has the talent to change the game with one explosive play. His speed, route-running, and ability to stretch the field are still elite tools-he just needs to put it all together when it matters most.
With Indiana likely keying in on Alabama’s top pass-catchers, Williams could find himself in favorable matchups. If he capitalizes, not only could he help Alabama keep pace with Indiana’s high-powered offense, but he could also rewrite the story of his season in one night.
2. RB Jam Miller: The Ground Game Wild Card
Indiana’s defensive game plan isn’t a mystery-they want to make Alabama win with its “off hand.” Translation: take away Ty Simpson’s arm and force the Tide to run the football.
That strategy makes senior running back Jam Miller a central figure in this matchup. Alabama hasn’t been dominant on the ground this year, but when Miller’s been healthy, he’s provided a much-needed spark. He ran for 136 yards against Vanderbilt and followed that up with 83 hard-earned yards in the Iron Bowl before an injury knocked him out of the game.
Injuries have been the story of Miller’s season-he’s missed four games and played several more at less than full strength. But now, by his own account, he’s finally healthy. And that could be a game-changer.
If Miller can get going early and force Indiana to respect the run, it opens up the playbook for Simpson and the vertical passing attack. A balanced Alabama offense is a dangerous one, and Miller might just be the key to unlocking it.
3. DL LT Overton: The Veteran Edge Presence Returns
LT Overton’s return to the lineup couldn’t come at a better time. The senior Bandit missed Alabama’s last two games, but he’s expected to be back on the field in Pasadena. Whether he’s on a pitch count or ready for a full workload remains to be seen, but his presence alone is a major lift for the Tide defense.
What Alabama has built this season is depth-Keon Keeley, Jordan Renaud, and Kelby Collins all stepped up in Overton’s absence and proved they can contribute meaningful snaps. But Overton is still the alpha of that group. He brings experience, leadership, and a disruptive edge presence that can alter a quarterback’s internal clock.
Against Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, pressure off the edge will be critical. If Overton can collapse the pocket, force hurried throws, or even just set the edge in the run game, he’ll tilt the field in Alabama’s favor.
Final Thoughts
Alabama may not be the favorite in this one, but they’ve got momentum, health, and a few under-the-radar weapons that could turn the tide-literally. If Ryan Williams finds his rhythm, Jam Miller gets rolling, and LT Overton reclaims his role as a defensive anchor, don’t be surprised if the Crimson Tide make things very uncomfortable for the top-seeded Hoosiers.
The Rose Bowl is where legends are made. Alabama’s stars will need to shine, but it’s the X-Factors who could write the story.