Peach Bowl 2016: Latest Odds, Prediction for Alabama vs. Washington Playoff

It came down to the wire, but ultimately, it was Washington that found its way into the College Football Playoff after a Pac-12 title, but the Huskies have a tall task against Alabama in the 2016 Peach Bowl.

The Crimson Tide have been dominant all season long, and they will look to win their second straight national championship behind a daunting defense. However, Washington can put up points in bunches, and its style could give Alabama some problems.

Let us take a look at the schedule and latest odds for this national semifinal, as well as a breakdown and prediction for the matchup. Odds are courtesy of OddsShark.

Date	Location	Time (ET)	Network	Spread
Saturday, Dec. 31	Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA	3 p.m.	ESPN	Alabama -16

Game Preview

The key behind Alabama's success is no secret, as its defense has been historically great this season. The unit leads the country in scoring defense at 11.8 points per game, total defense at 247.8 yards allowed per game and rushing defense with a minuscule 63.4 yards conceded per contest.

The Crimson Tide did not allow a touchdown in November, and after relenting for a game-opening touchdown drive against Florida in the SEC Championship, the unit clamped down once more and simply took over the game, per the SEC Network:

Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster lead the way for this unit, as it boasts the best defensive front in the nation that also includes stud pass-rusher Tim Williams and shutdown defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Washington will have a difficult time providing star quarterback Jake Browning consistent time in the pocket, but the Huskies have a scheme that will give Alabama some issues.

Washington spreads out the field to give playmakers space, and it has a quarterback who can push the ball downfield and make accurate throws toward the sidelines. In the past two seasons, Clemson and Mississippi deployed similar styles, and the results were not good for Alabama.

In two meetings, Mississippi topped 40 points on both occasions, and Clemson did the same in the national title game last season. Quarterbacks Chad Kelly and Deshaun Watson both had huge days, as Alabama can be exploited if its physically imposing linebackers are forced off of the field or into coverage:

Player	Date	Completion Percentage	Passing Yards	Passing TDs	Interceptions	Rushing Yards	Rushing TDs
Kelly	Sept. 19, 2015	54.5	341	3	0	21	1
Watson	Jan. 11, 2016	63.8	405	4	1	73	0
Kelly	Sept. 17, 2016	65	421	3	0	43	0

With Browning and receivers Dante Pettis and John Ross, Washington can pose the same threat. Ross is among the nation's best players with his electric speed and excellent hands, which has resulted in 76 catches for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns. Pettis is solid in possession and complements Ross well with 50 catches for 796 yards and 14 scores. 

The Huskies can also keep Alabama on its toes with a strong running game that includes Lavon Coleman and Myles Gaskin. Coleman ran for 836 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while Gaskin proved to be one of the Pac-12's best rushers with 1,339 yards and 10 scores.

The question for Washington will be whether it can hold up in the trenches against Alabama's defensive line, as it does not boast the type of physical offensive line that a team like Clemson has. The Huskies conceded three sacks against USC and two more against Colorado in their two toughest contests of the season, but Alabama provides a much tougher challenge, as it ranks fourth nationally with 3.46 sacks per game.

Washington does have a strong defense, which should keep it in the game while its offense tries to figure out Alabama's defense. The Huskies are eighth nationally in scoring defense at 17.2 points allowed per contest, and they lead the country in turnover margin at plus-21.

Jalen Hurts has been a revelation at quarterback for Alabama, throwing for 2,592 yards and 22 touchdowns to go with 841 yards and 12 scores on the ground. Damien Harris provides some relief with his 986 rushing yards, but the strength of this offense is its receiving group:

Player	Catches	Yards	Yards Per Catch	Touchdown
O.J. Howard	37	445	12	2
Calvin Ridley	66	727	11	7
ArDarius Stewart	52	852	16.4	8

O.J. Howard is the matchup problem at tight end that Washington does not appear to have an answer for, while ArDarius Stewart is an excellent big-play guy. Calvin Ridley receives the most attention as a do-it-all pass-catcher, and he will likely draw the attention of star cornerback Sidney Jones.

This matchup could turn out to be a low-scoring affair for much of the afternoon, but Alabama thrives on wearing its opponents down physically, and Washington does not appear to have the size and strength to combat the Crimson Tide for 60 minutes. 

No team has been able to go toe-to-toe with Alabama physically, not even a strong LSU squad. Washington's defense and finesse style will keep the game close, but expect the Crimson Tide to wear down the Huskies late and advance to another national championship game.

Prediction: Alabama 27, Washington 21

Statistics are courtesy of NCAA.com unless otherwise noted.