The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the 2022 season full of expectations. The team had hopes of winning its second national title in three years, but things went far from perfect. Alabama finished 10-2 and out of the College Football Playoff at No. 5. Because of that, the Crimson Tide are set to play in the Sugar Bowl against No. 9 Kansas State.

Luckily for head coach Nick Saban, the team will have two big names on the field to help finish the year with a trophy. Bryce Young and Will Anderson opted to play in the bowl despite being first-round prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young, last year’s Heisman winner, is even considered by many as the potential No. 1 pick, while Anderson shouldn’t fall below the top-10 on draft day.

In 2022, Young completed 64.1% of his passes for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns versus five interceptions. He also added 195 rushing yards and four scores.

Anderson recorded 51 total tackles (24 being solo), 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and a pick-six this season. He received the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and was a unanimous All-American for the second straight year.

While Alabama will certainly appreciate their commitment, their decision to play in the Sugar Bowl raised many questions as Young and Anderson risk getting injured just before going pro. However, it might turn out to be the best move by both.

With that being said, here are some reasons why Bryce Young and Will Anderson made the right decision to play in the Sugar Bowl.

3. It gives Alabama a chance to end the season on a high note

Every year, Alabama enters the season as a CFP frontrunner. In 2022, that was the case thanks to Young’s outstanding Heisman campaign. The problem is that the Crimson Tide was not able to replicate its recent success. This will be only the second time the team does not make it the CFP Championship Game in eight years.