ARLINGTON, Texas | A week ago, Nataly Williams was surrounded by green and white.

On Thursday night, University of Alabama assistant coach Bobby Williams' daughter - who currently works at Michigan State - will be dressed in crimson and houndstooth.

Nataly, who grew up in East Lansing, Mich., but graduated from Alabama, will root on her dad to defeat her employer.

She was born and raised around Michigan State football with her dad on the coaching staff, but, as if often the case with her father's profession, the family moved away when she was 16. Later, after Bobby had accepted an assistant coaching position on Nick Saban's Alabama staff, she graduated from UA in 2010.

She worked in the Life Skills and Community Outreach department at UA, working alongside athletes like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram and Eddie Lacy on community service projects. She currently works in the development department at Michigan State.

When she accepted the job at Michigan State the first week in November, the Spartans had just lost to Nebraska, and she thought the odds of a spot in the College Football Playoff were minimal.

"I always kind of said, 'Haha that would be kind of funny if Michigan State and Alabama play in the playoffs,' but we didn't think it was going to be a possibility," she said. "And then they beat Ohio State and it just kind of all snowballed."

It's been a sort of a throwback for the Williams family this week, running into so many old friends and colleagues.

"It's a big reunion. My mom, we're still great friends with the coaches at Michigan State, so we've been having a great time," Nataly said. "I didn't bring any green and white with me. I got to see some of my co-workers yesterday, so it's been a lot of fun. I've got my crimson on this week.

"They understand. My first day on the job they asked if I brought a playbook with me. (UA coach Burton Burns) joked, 'Don't be bugging the bus or the room for Michigan State.' So I've been getting it from both ends."

But make no mistake, she's rooting for Alabama and her dad even though he gave her a useful piece of advice that urged the opposite.

"That opportunity happened for Nataly before we knew we were going to playing Michigan State," Bobby Williams said. "And then found out, of course we're very excited for her because that's where she was born and raised so she's got a very good connection there. We're excited for the opportunity she has to go back to Michigan State and be a part of the program there.

"She asked me, 'Dad, who should I root for?' I said, 'One thing you've got to remember is you have to know who's signing your check.' That makes it very clear for you right there.

"She's here as our guest. But she's here to mingle with both. She can't lose."

It's been a good year for the Williams family. Nataly's brother and Bobby's son, Nick Williams, is currently preparing for a national championship of his own as the wide receivers coach at Jacksonville State.

"Our family could have two national championships this year," Nataly said.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.