Alabama vs. Kansas State: Prediction and preview

Alabama (10-2) and Kansas State (9-3) are playing in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Saturday at noon Eastern time. It's the first time the teams have met on the football field.

Kansas State is the Big 12 champion. They beat No. 3 TCU 31-28 in overtime in the championship game. KSU has 4 players with 40-plus catches on the season. Deuce Vaughn is a star running back for K State. The Wildcats are a very good defense. They are No 9 nationally in defensive efficiency and No 19 in scoring defense, allowing about 20 points per game this season, but they can win a shootout.

The Wildcats are playing in their biggest bowl game since a trip to the Fiesta Bowl 10 years ago. Alabama has been out of the championship picture since 2008. DraftKings offers a $150 bonus for moneyline bets.

Bryce Young and Will Anderson will play in the Sugar Bowl. None of the Crimson Tide's NFL-bound players will be sitting out the game.

Alabama is No. 5 and in the Sugar Bowl. The team is not a vintage Alabama team, but it's still a team that lost to a pair of ranked teams by 5 points. Alabama has the talent advantage and the coaching advantage. A lack of focus could swing the game, as the team seems to be focused on finishing with a win.