For Alabama, Kansas State, mentality matters in Sugar Bowl

FILE - Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Anderson was selected to The Associated Press All-America team released Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

FILE - Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) is pursued by Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Nov. 5, 2022, in Manhattan, Kan. In an age of “opt-outs” in college football, the best NFL prospects for Alabama and Kansas State are opting in at the Sugar Bowl, on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2022, including Anudike-Uzomah. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

FILE - Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn (22) carries the ball against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Manhattan, Kan. Vaughn was selected to The Associated Press All-America team released Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

FILE - Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., on Nov. 12, 2022. In an age of “opt-outs” in college football, the best NFL prospects for Alabama and Kansas State are opting in at the Sugar Bowl, on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2022, including Young. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)