Nick Saban goes in-depth of what it means for Bryce Young, Will Anderson to play in Sugar Bowl for Alabama

Alabama got a huge boost ahead of the Sugar Bowl when quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson decided they would play in one final game for the Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban could not have been more thrilled for two of his star players to not opt out and focus solely on the NFL Draft with Kansas State on deck.

“Well, I think it sets a great example for guys that respect their teammates, want to be a part of their team,” Saban said. “Know the impact that they can make, the value that they can make, that they can create for themselves by playing well against good competition. So I’m extremely proud of these guys. We’re going to support them in every way that we can.”

Young, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, had tremendous NFL Draft stock going into the game but perhaps could give himself No. 1 overall-type buzz. The same goes for Anderson, who’s widely regarded as one of, if not the best defender in college football.

“As an institution, we minimize the risk of them playing in the game by ensuring them the best that we possibly can,” Saban said. “So that they’re not taking a big risk by playing as much as you can, taking the risk out of it for them. And I can’t tell you how much I respect them as competitors. Guys that have been great teammates on this team, the leadership that they have given and (showed) and I think the leadership that they continue to show by playing this game.”

During a recent interview, Anderson spoke regarding his time off, and how it’s been helping his mental.

“Just to get a little bit of rest in and working out a little bit before I got on the road,” Anderson said. “Just to make sure you know, I was still good. They sent me with a few things to do. But it’s been good. This little bit, getting this mental headspace in. Getting ready to get my mind back right.”

Coming into the Sugar Bowl, Anderson has 51 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception, one pass deflection and one touchdown. Over the course of his three-year career, Anderson has 204 total tackles, 114 solo tackles, 58.5 tackles for loss, 34.5 sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one touchdown.

As far as Young is concerned, he has 3,007 yards, 27 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64.1% completion percentage. In his career, Young has 8,035 yards, 75 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 65.6% completion percentage.

No. 5 Alabama (10-2) takes on No. 11 Kansas State (10-3) in the Sugar Bowl Dec. 31.