College Football Research
College Football Playoff Final Predictionby Big Al Did I really say that Alabama will beat Clemson in the CFP final? Well, I was wrong. Alabama is going to beat Ohio State in the CFP final. Why? Well, lots of reasons. Ohio StateOhio State is coming off of a hard-hitting game against Clemson. Justin Fields is coming in with hurt ribs of some kind, though the actual injury is still not known, and won't be known until after the game. Even if that weren't the case, they are apparently having diffculties with COVID, and lost more players. Some may have returned, but you need to be at full strength if you want to take on Alabama. Plus, they still have a suspect secondary. And now they are going up against an excellent quarterback with excellent receivers, including the Heisman Trophy winner. If DeVonta Smith had had a normal Heisman celebration of going all over the country eating meals and addressing crowds rather than practicing with his team, I would give Ohio State more of a chance. But he is coming off of a Heisman win that was about as exciting as if he had been sent a letter of congratulations. And all that is ignoring the fact that Najee Harris is ready to make Ohio State pay if they unload the box to stop the pass. Ohio State is very good, and I think they can make a game of it. And I can't shake the feeling that they will win. But coming in weak is no way to come into this game. AlabamaDoes anyone really think that Jaylen Waddle is not going to play? Even if he is limited, he is still an absolute burner that Ohio State can't keep up with. Alabama doesn't need to be complex with him, he only needs to run the fly route and some deep outs and square-ins to keep Ohio State honest. But those aren't necessary: Waddle has the speed to outrun any coverage. Alabama's offensive line is excellent. They can keep Mac Jones safe against Ohio State's defensive line, even if they are rotating 8 players up front. The Ohio State pass rush is not what it has been in the past few years. Finally, Alabama's defense does have its weaknesses, but they can also shut down other teams when necessary. And with Justin Fields limited and probably unable to run and make plays that way, Alabama can mostly focus on a standard offense. That plays into the hands of the Tide. I'm sure that Alabama will give up some points to Ohio State. But not nearly enough for Ohio State's liking. Alabama wins. |
Columns |
|---|
|
College Football Playoff Final Prediction I'm an Ohio State fan, and I will be rooting for Ohio State. But they aren't the side to bet on. |
|
A few thoughts on college football that were far more timely when I wrote this article that aren't quite as timely now that I am releasing it. |
|
After some time away, I'm back for the bowls! Here's what's going to happen, so you don't need to actual watch the games. |
|
It's championship weekend! There is one great game, and a bunch of other games that may or may not be close. |
|
There was an upset! Like an actual upset that nobody can explain! That's what you expect from college football. |
|
Rivarly week part, oh, 2 or 3 or so. With the usual bunch of cancellations. |