Alabama Football: Three reasons Crimson Tide can outlast the Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes looked impressive against Clemson in the CFP Semifinal game, but there are three key reasons Alabama Football can outlast them in the National Championship.

The Ohio State Buckeyes hadn’t been battle tested all season, but they came out swinging against Clemson. It was nothing short of a jaw-dropping performance full of grit from quarterback Justin Fields and running back Trey Sermon. They took a disappointing loss last year and Dabo Sweeney’s 11th spot ranking as motivation to take down Clemson. Many Alabama Football fans got a little nervous after that performance. Would the Tide be able to stop Ohio State and maintain their perfect season?

They are certainly capable. Will it be a shootout? Probably. The over-under for total points in the game is 75.5. I would take the over on that easily. I anticipate a 56-52 type game… a game similar to the 2016 National Championship game against Clemson that came down to a well-timed on-side kick. But the Tide has three key aspects that will help them beat Ohio State.

1. The Tide’s Offensive Line Play

The Joe Moore award winning Alabama Football offensive line is hands down the best one in the country.

https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL/status/1346197690397450244

Mac Jones has had a phenomenal season, but who wouldn’t with the kind of protection he has in the pocket? The man can sit back and read a book before having to get rid of the ball.

Ohio State’s defensive line experienced a lot of success against Clemson. The Buckeyes defensive line forced three Trevor Lawrence fumbles and two sacks. Many of his incompletions were the result of pressure in the pocket.

The Alabama Football offensive line should fare much better. The loss of Landon Dickerson is certainly impactful, but Chris Owens seemed to fill his shoes nicely against Notre Dame. The Ohio State defense will have to get creative in finding ways to make Mac Jones uncomfortable.

2. Najee Harris

With credit given to that powerful offensive line, Najee Harris has had the best season of any running back in the nation. He has been flawless all year and the key piece to the Tide’s third down and red zone success. The Tide leads the nation converting almost 60% of their third-down plays and scores on nearly 93% of their drives in the red zone.

Najee Harris leads the country in touchdowns and rushing yards, and this could play a major role late in the game. Harris’ legs have the ability to eat clock and slow the game down. Avoiding a shootout game would be best, and Harris is the key to that.

3. The Tide’s Receivers

The Ohio State secondary is suspect. These incompetencies were masked by the outstanding defensive line play in the Clemson game. However, the Alabama Football receivers should have much more success in exploiting these weaknesses.

DeVonta Smith simply cannot be stopped. He should be able to find plenty of success against the Buckeyes defense.

In the most recent breaking news, Jaylen Waddle could be back for the National Championship game on Monday night. After being seen in recent weeks without a boot, walking normally, and catching passes in pregame warmups of the semifinal game, he is set to return to practice tomorrow. If all goes as planned, he could return for the championship.

If this comes to fruition, it’s over for the Buckeyes. That would be the nail in the coffin. The top-ranked Alabama Football offense has been unstoppable all season, most of it without Jaylen Waddle. His return on offense and special teams would be the extra juice that would take the team to the next level.

The National Championship game should be a good one for all who watch. Tide fans, prepare yourselves.. it might be stressful. Have faith in the GOAT, Saban, and trust one of the most impressive offenses in college football history in Sark’s last game.