Among the biggest surprises of the week were that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. had elected to play in the Sugar Bowl in an era in which it is very common for players with high draft stock opt out.

Anderson recently took the time to explain his decision and how he came to the conclusion to play.

“Me being at home and training and sitting down and watching the game, I would have been feeling so bad, the competitor in me,” Anderson said. “We have a lot to prove.”

So far this season, Anderson totals 51 combined tackles (24 solo), 10 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 interception and 1 touchdown. Over his career with the Crimson Tide, he tallies 204 combined tackles (114 solo), 4 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 1 touchdown.

Despite the fact some may look at this as something of a lost season for an Alabama team that frequently finds itself in the mix for a national title, it’s clear the players are all in and not viewing it that way.