With the national championship game quickly approaching, Ohio State is still seen as underdogs by about a touchdown. However, the Buckeyes were also underdogs against Clemson and we all saw how that turned out. Showing the world the same thing is a completely different proposition against Alabama.
One of the smaller reasons is the game becomes a track meet and Alabama is just the last team to score. The way both of these offenses are a track meet is certainly a possibility. This isn’t one of the three we will cover here, but it is worth a mention.
NEXT…Alabama’s offense
Alabama has a high powered offense that could pull away from the Buckeyes early
That Alabama offense is pretty good huh pic.twitter.com/Gc19LOI94u
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) January 8, 2021
The Alabama offense is really good and really dangerous. The offense starts with Devonta Smith, and if Ohio State slows him down, then running back Najee Harris or quarterback Mac Jones and his other weapons can put up points. The Buckeyes struggled at times this season against teams that can move the ball in the air, but the defense held really well against a vaunted Clemson team.
Should Alabama get ahead quickly and Ohio State can’t keep pace, then it could be a very long game for the Buckeyes. If OSU can repeat Either way, the Tide’s ability to move the ball and score is going to be a problem.
NEXT…It’s Nick Saban
Ryan Day has to match wits with Saban
On Ryan Day, Saban called him a great offensive play caller. He also pointed to how he brings his team together and how they play with discipline and great intangibles.
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) January 7, 2021
There is no doubting Nick Saban is a great college coach. However, Ryan Day has developed into a great coach in his own right. Day is still fairly young in terms of coaching tenure, especially compared to Saban. There is very little the Alabama head man hasn’t seen in the college game, which is a huge advantage.
Day needs to be able to show he belongs with one of the best of all time when it comes to preparation and game-planning. If Day can use the clock well and not break away from his game-plan, then the Buckeyes should be fine.
NEXT… Athletes causing mistakes
Too many mistakes will do Ohio State in
Justin Fields had 6 incompletions yesterday to match his 6 TD’s
VS A BRETT VENABLES DEFENSE 🗣😂
— Cyrus #D4L 🐶 (@CyrusD4L) January 2, 2021
One thing Justin Fields has done for most of the season has not made mistakes. When he has, Ohio State has been able to overcome them to win games. The same can be said for the defense making mistakes or miscues and the offense being good enough to overcome them.
As long as Justin Fields maintains ball security, the offense doesn’t turn the ball over, and the defense can limit the mistakes, Ohio State has a solid chance to win the game. However, the Buckeyes are going against the most athletic defense it has faced all season and can’t afford to make too many mistakes Alabama is good enough to capitalize and pull away. Limit mistakes and the game becomes easier.
That’s the challenge.
Five reasons Ohio State will beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff national championship game
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