This is a rematch of two extremely good coaches with Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. While Ohio State plays in the Big Ten, they have had a tough time getting through. Alabama, a prohibited favorite to always win it, has had a equally tough time getting to this point. Lets look at the keys to the game.
Offense vs Defense
This matchup is going to have two main points: the Line and the receivers. Ohio State's line has 40 sacks, tied for 9th in the country. They are looking at an Alabama offensive line that is weak and can be rushed. If Ohio State can get some pressure on Blake Sims, they are going to have a field day, which cuts down TJ Yeldon's running game and turns him into a wideout, something that can be good if you keep him contained. We also have to look at Ohio State's O-Line which is going to have to protect Cardale Jones, the 3rd string quarterback for the Buckeyes. And by the way, can we acknowledge the fact that this team, despite being down to a 3rd string QB, is playing like a starter.
The second point is that of receivers. A question that will be answered early is can Ohio State keep Amari Cooper of Alabama covered and not let him go "Calvin Johnson" on this team. This also goes for Alabama, which has shown in past bowl games that if you have a legit playmaker at receiver, the Crimson Tide has issues covering him.
Saban vs Meyer
These coaches know each other so well its scary. Remember that for a time, Meyer and Saban was the primetime matchup of the SEC and was something that couldn't be missed. I think Saban will have the upper hand due to having Lane Kiffin as his offensive coordinator, as he is going to find various ways to get the ball down the field and make the Ohio State defense tire itself trying to keep up. Urban Meyer needs to coach up the team to have a hot start as they have found themselves behind early and having to win from behind a lot this season. One thing that Meyer has as a plus is that he led an Ohio State team to shut out Michigan State, in East Lansing, something not easily done.
Prediction
This game is extremely even matched but to me, this comes down to two people: Cardale Jones vs Amari Cooper. Is Amari Cooper as good as everyone thinks he is and can be a big game threat in coverage, and can Cardale Jones somehow repeat, heck even bring out part of the magic he had when he shot the lights out in the Big Ten Championship? While I think the former will be more likely, I don't think that Cooper can win the game alone, especially if Blake Sims, Alabama's quarterback, is being put under constant pressure. You also have to take into account that Ohio State wants to be known as the best of the Big Ten, and nothing would cement that than beating the SEC Champion, a team that the last time they played in New Orleans, was blown out by Oklahoma, who has a similar offense to Ohio State.
Winner: Ohio State, extremely close
National Championship: Oregon vs Ohio State
I can't lie, I am not a fan of Ohio State, but I respect them immensely. But when it comes to facing Oregon, I don't give the Buckeyes a fighting chance. While Ohio State has a great defensive front, that becomes mute when you are playing Oregon who has Marcus Mariota, one of these most dangerous players at QB. And just to be fair, even it wasn't Oregon and it was Florida State, Ohio State would still have problems stopping the Quarterback. While it would be a shootout, that is the last thing you want to do when playing Oregon, who lives for the shootout.
Winner: Oregon
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