Alabama Football: 5 bold predictions for CFP National Championship

Bold predictions for Alabama football vs. Ohio State

4. Jaylen Waddle will mostly be a decoy

Ever since Jaylen Waddle went down with an ankle injury, fans have hoped that he will return for the postseason. He hasn’t played yet, but there is a solid chance that Waddle will be available for the National Championship. He has been practicing and appears to be preparing to play.

I think that Waddle will play. Even if he is not completely healthy, I don’t see him missing the National Championship game unless it would put him at severe risk of re-injury. After all, Waddle hasn’t won a title yet.

Still, it’s unrealistic to think that he will have an outstanding performance. That could happen, but it can’t be the expectation. The man is coming off of an ankle injury and hasn’t played an organized football game in months.

However, his sheer presence can have an impact. Waddle is one of the most explosive receivers in the game. Steve Sarkisian will find ways to give other receivers space due to the gravity of Waddle. Waddle might run a slant that opens up Billingsley on the other side of the field. He might run a go-route that opens up a hitch underneath.

If Waddle plays, he will definitely get targets. That being said, I expect him to be more of a decoy for the rest of the receivers than an actual weapon for Alabama football. As long as the Tide win, Waddle will be happy.