The focal point of the 2011 Alamo Bowl has been Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner who could be playing his final game at the college level before declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft. Griffin averages 386.8 yards of total offense per game, which ranks second in the country, led the nation in passing efficiency, and has passed for nearly 4,000 yards and accounting for 45 total touchdowns.
But Griffin is not the lone concern for the Washington Huskies defense.
Senior wide receiver Kendall Wright, who will be playing his final college game on Thursday night, has 101 receptions for 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and is closing in on 300 receptions, 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his illustrious career. The Bears also have senior running back Terrance Ganaway, who led the Big 12 with 1,347 rushing yards this season.
Ganaway hopes to play in the NFL, Richard Oliver of the San Antonio Express-News reports.
"I have endurance and longevity," said Ganaway. "My goal is to go to the (NFL), play 10 or 12 years, and then hang it up."
Defensively, the Bears have struggled in 2011, ranking 114th in total defense, 112th against the pass and 102nd against the run. They face a Huskies defense whose overall rankings belie their talent level. Running back Chris Polk ranked 16th in the nation with a 111.8 yard per game average on the ground and could leave for the NFL after the bowl game. Sophomore quarterback Keith Price has ably replaced Jake Locker, passing for 2,625 yards with 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, ranking 12th in the country in passing efficiency. Price has NFL-caliber weapons in wide receivers Jermaine Kearse and freshman Kasen Williams, as well as sensational freshman tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who combined for 111 receptions, 1,388 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Bears defense took a hit this week when sophomore defensive end Tevin Elliott injured his knee on Christmas Day.
For more on Robert Griffin III and the Bears, head over to the SB Nation blog Our Daily Bears. For more on the Huskies, check out SB Nation blog UW Dawg Pound. For more on the Alamo Bowl, check out our dedicated stream.