Alamo Bowl: Latest News, Notes, and Analysis for Baylor vs. Washington

This December 29, 2011, the 9-3 Baylor Bears will face off against the 7-5 Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl. There are some huge matchups on both sides of the ball that you will not want to miss.

One huge focus for this game will be Heisman winner Robert Griffin III, Baylor's junior QB out of Copperas Cove, Texas. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the top candidates for a high pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft if he decides to submit his name for consideration.

However, the draft will not be for months, and leading his team to a win in a nationally-televised bowl could be one of RG3's biggest accomplishments. Nothing in pro football is a guarantee anymore. 

Both squads played it huge. Baylor finished third in a tough Big 12, while Washington concluded its season fourth in the conference and third in the Pac-12 North. This should end up being one of the best clashes of the postseason.

We take a last-minute look at everything for the Alamo Bowl. Ranging from injuries to key players, you'll know all you need to know by the end of these five slides.

Injury Report

Baylor

CB Tyler Stephenson—Questionable due to a late-season ankle injury. Did not play against Texas in season finale. 

CB Chance Casey—Questionable due to an ankle injury. The CB hasn't played since Week 10 against Missouri. 

DB Demetri Goodson—Questionable due to an ankle injury. This ankle injury has kept him out since Week 9. 

Washington

CB Adam Long—Probable due to a knee injury. Long was absent for last four games of the season but seems confident he will play.

LB Garret Gilliland—Questionable due to a back injury. Not looking likely but still possible with a few good workouts. 

S Will Shamburger —Questionable due to a neck injury. Forced to miss rivalry week against Washington State.

Big Storylines

Griffin to NFL?

The center of attention this postseason due to his surprise Heisman win, RG3 has stolen the spotlight in more than one way down in the Alamo City. His indecision so far in whether or not he'll head off the the NFL draft this year is a key storyline in not only college football, but the NFL as well. 

Griffin III is one of the best in the business and will more than likely go very high in the draft if he decides that his senior year of college isn't important enough to finish. Focusing mainly on the Alamo Bowl, RG3's decision sometime after the game will make a big splash in both the college football world as well as in the pros.

Chirs Polk to NFL?

Another NFL story is somewhat bland, yes, but Washington's RB is of Heisman quality, and his return to the university for one more season would be a giant step for coach Sarkisian and the Huskies towards Pac-12 success.

Polk was one of the best in his conference and will be a threat next year in either the North division or the NFL if he decides to leave. Already owning a degree from the University of Washington, Polk has a shot to make a break for a Pac-12 title and the Heisman if he stays put. Otherwise, he'll be making the big bucks playing in the pros. 

Offensive Players to Watch

Kendall Wright, Baylor Bears

The senior WR out of Pittsburgh, Texas has really made a huge impact on this Baylor squad. Leading the team in not only receptions but also all-purpose yards, Wright is one of the biggest gears in this powerful Baylor offense.

With over 1,500 receiving and 13 TD catches, No. 1 is a playmaker that won't be shut down easily. His speed and quickness explain why he is RG3's favorite target on the season. Look for Wright to take on this Washington secondary and win, making some huge plays for the Bears along the way.

Chris Polk, Washington Huskies

A junior out of Redlands, CA, No. 1 has been a constant threat to opponents all year. Gaining over 1,300 yards on 263 carries for 11 TDs, Polk is dangerous.

His running ability masks just how good of a receiver he really is, allowing him to make 300 yards on 29 receptions for four TDs. Polk matches up well against any defensive front. If he can break through, his speed will easily carry him to the end zone. 

Robert Griffin III, Baylor Bears

This superstar junior QB passed for just under 4,000 yards, 36 TDs and had a 72.4 completion percentage. A huge 192.3 QB rating and only six interceptions, Griffin has been the man this season. His dual-threat ability allowed him to grab nine TDs on the ground, along with 644 yards on 161 carries. 

RG3 has put Baylor on the map. With a fantastic season concluded by winning the Heisman Trophy, Griffin III has done anything and everything to help his team succeed. Stealing third place in a tough Big 12 was huge, and his career is looking extremely bright whether he decides to stay for his senior season or leave for the NFL.

Defensive Players to Watch

Sean Parker, Washington Huskies

Sean Parker is a dangerous defensive back. Wearing No. 1, he leads the team in interceptions with four and has the second-most tackles for the Huskies with 41 solo and 35 assisted.

He has faced off all year against top-notch receivers and will continue that trend in this season's Alamo Bowl. His main opponent will be Kendall Wright, and Coach Sarkisian will be wise to have Parker man-up on him all game. Shutting down Wright would be a huge step towards stopping Griffin III and a powerful Baylor offense.

Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Baylor Bears

Jean-Baptiste, along with having an awesome last name, is one big kid who is a powerful force in Baylor's front seven. A senior from Stafford, TX, this big bull-rusher has anchored a tough defensive line all season.

Grabbing four solo sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 36 tackles on the year, Jean-Baptiste was easily one of the best nose tackles in the nation. Playing in his last college game this December, the senior should be moving on to the NFL. 

Cort Dennison, Washington Huskies

Hailing from Salt Lake City, this senior LB leads the team in tackles on the year. Dennison totaled 113 tackles, one sack, 6.5 TFL and one interception on the season. 

Easily one of the best players on the squad, he is the key to the run defense for the Huskies. A solid part of the zone pass defense as well, Dennison is what makes his side of the ball tick. 

Watch for him to make some big-time plays in the Alamo Bowl.

Prediction

Baylor 42 Washington 38

RG3 will be too much to handle for this Washington defense. His speed, throwing accuracy and offensive weapons make him uncontainable from under center. Most of this game will be based around production on the offensive side of the ball, thus the high-scoring prediction.

The Heisman winner will grab his coach's first bowl win ever in a close clash between him a Chris Polk for who can score more points. I also predict, prematurely perhaps, that both players will return for next season and, once again, put their respective teams in the spotlight as both work towards winning the Heisman.