Alabama Football: 3 key matchups for the National Championship
By Dakota Cox
These matchups will determine if Alabama football wins a title.
We are less than a week away from the 2021 National Championship between Alabama football and the Ohio State Buckeyes, and things are shaping up nicely. Both teams are coming off of dominant performances in the CFP semifinal, and they look to be locked and loaded for the biggest game of the year.
While football is a team sport, this game will come down to a few players. Both teams are led by stars in key positions, and they will carry the weight of this game on their shoulders.
Thankfully, these key players will face off against each other on both sides of the ball. With that in mind, these three matchups will determine whether or not Alabama football can beat Ohio State.
3. Patrick Surtain vs. Chris Olave
Chris Olave is Justin Fields’ most trusted receiver, and he has earned that right. He leads the Buckeyes in receptions and touchdowns, and he will be a focal point of this offense. He will likely be drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, and this will be his last chance to put quality film on tape.
Thankfully, Alabama has the best corner in college football. Patrick Surtain’s stats are so limited because opposing offenses have simply avoided throwing the football his way. If Ohio State wants to win this game, they will have to attack Surtain and hope for the best.
If Alabama can limit Olave without bringing extra support, they will have the advantage. If they start doubling Olave, the rest of the defense is going to be stretched. I believe that Surtain might get beat once or twice, but he will win this matchup over the course of the entire National Championship.