Alabama vs. Ohio State: Unheralded Players Who Will Impact 2015 Sugar Bowl

The stars might get the headlines, but they are not always the ones who make the biggest impact in a football game. In many cases, it's the little-known players who help decide the outcome.

When Alabama takes on Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, college football fans will be able to name many of the key players on both sides. Quarterbacks Blake Sims and Cardale Jones will obviously take center stage, while notable competitors like Amari Cooper, Landon Collins, Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa have become household names.

Obviously, each of these competitors will have a major role in helping decide the national semifinal. However, here is a look at a few other players to watch out for in this matchup.

Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State

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Cooper has been without question the best receiver in college football this season. The Alabama star leads the nation with 115 receptions to go with 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns.

On a team that is usually run-heavy and lacking downfield threats, Cooper has completely changed the dynamic of the Crimson Tide offense. Even Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer knows what he is getting into in this game, via Nicole Auerbach of USA Today:

If the Buckeyes want to slow down this passing attack, a lot of pressure will be on the shoulders of Doran Grant. The senior cornerback has had a great season, finishing the regular season with 14 passes defended to go with five interceptions. Two of those picks came against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game.

Of course, stopping Cooper is a completely different challenge. Grant has the quickness to stay with smaller receivers, but the real test will be bringing the Alabama receiver down after the catch, which is where he usually excels.

Grant doesn't have an easy job, but he will be one of the most important players on the field for the Buckeyes.

Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State

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If you're going to beat Alabama, you need to take advantage of your best weapons. For Ohio State, that includes tight end Jeff Heuerman.

The 6'5" senior has the size and athleticism to be a serious mismatch at this level. Unfortunately, he hasn't been used as much as he should, heading as he is into the bowl game with just 17 catches for 207 yards and two scores.

He recently joked about his limited role in the passing game:

While his blocking ability is valuable, Meyer needs to let his tight end run loose against the Crimson Tide. He has NFL-level talent, but he hasn't been used to his full ability.

With an inexperienced quarterback under center, Ohio State will need players who can make things happen in the passing game. Heuerman can make a major impact, he just needs to be given a chance.

Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Alabama is certainly battle-tested from playing in the SEC West, competing against some of the best defenses in the nation. However, the Tide haven't faced anyone with a better defensive line than Ohio State.

Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe was impressed by this unit during the 59-0 win over Wisconsin in the conference title game:

Between Bosa, Michael Bennett, Adolphus Washington and others, there are a lot of guys who will eventually be playing on Sundays. In the meantime, they do a great job of shutting down the opposing run game while consistently getting pressure on the quarterback.

While the entire Alabama offensive line will have to step up, senior Arie Kouandjio is the one who can make the biggest impact. The talented guard is a leader on this unit and generally does a great job of clearing space for T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry in the middle of the line.

Things will clearly be tougher for Kouandjio no matter who lines up against him, but he needs to give the same consistent approach to limit the impact of the opposing players. If he can do his job, the Crimson Tide might be able to cruise to victory.

Christion Jones, WR/KR, Alabama

While he wasn't asked to do much on the offensive end throughout the season, Christion Jones stepped up in the SEC Championship Game with three catches for 40 yards and his only touchdown of the season.

Cooper is clearly the go-to option in the passing game, but Jones can take some of the pressure off by getting open and giving Sims another target.

Still, Jones' biggest impact will come on special teams. The senior was among the best in the SEC with an average of 25 yards per kickoff return while also coming through with 8.4 yards per punt return.

Although he hasn't gotten himself into the end zone on a return this season, he got into the end zone three times on special teams plays a year ago and is always a threat to take it to the house.

Ohio State ranked 15th in the nation with just 17.9 yards allowed per kickoff return, but Jones can make a big impact in the field-position battle with some big returns. If he can break one for a score, it will be a bonus that could help decide the Sugar Bowl.

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