Nick Saban speaks about transfers, Alabama preparation ahead of Sugar Bowl

Alabama got a big boost for the upcoming Sugar Bowl when quarterback Bryce Young and top defensive player Will Anderson decided to not to opt-out of the game.

Neither player has publicly declared their future intentions. It’s expected that both will declare for the NFL Draft after the game.

Young, a redshirt sophomore, threw for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. Anderson, a junior, had 51 tackles and 10 sacks with an interception. Both are expected to be high first-round picks.

Head coach Nick Saban is appreciative of both players and their decisions to plays.

Saban on Will Anderson, Bryce Young playing in the bowl game: "I think it sends a significant message to all players on our team in terms of the kind of commitment that they have and the example they set."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 30, 2022

The Crimson Tide will have nearly a dozen players unavailable for the Sugar Bowl after they decided to enter the transfer portal. Saban said he gave all of the transfers an opportunity to practice and play.

Saban said he gave the players that transferred the opportunity to play in Alabama's bowl game.

"And they didn't. I don't know if that's a good thing for players, not to have to stay committed to their team for the entire season."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 30, 2022

For many players (and a lot of coaches on the move) the season no longer extends to the bowl games.

Alabama fans, are you looking forward to seeing Young and Anderson suit up for the Tide one last time?