CFP Title Game, Alabama vs tOSU, Jan 11, 8:15 ET on ESPN, Miami

[LovelandBuckeye]

I'm calm now but about this time tomorrow night it's going to start. My dad is a stupid Bama fan so we'll be watching it together just like the last time.

The Maker's awaits!!

 

[DZ83CK]

Good chance to get a look at Christian Barmore. Could be the Browns next first round pick.

 

[cmstophe]

Screw it. We’re winning. Gonna be heavily alcohol induced Monday night but I’m calling it now. Won’t even be nervous. It’s a W.

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[Wells4Heisman]

First confirmed absence?

 

[Jim Hunter]

9>22
16>>>>>> 10

So you're telling me we get a non mobile QB who has 1 target at WR?

Gimme the bucks.

You're right. I've followed Bama for the last 40 years, and it's the best offensive line, I've ever seen at Bama but losing a 1st team AA center does hurt. 1 great WR, correct, one solid WR that can go deep and doesn't drop passes, Metchie, a stud RB and solid TEs. Waddle is ?, if he plays at 80-85% it changes everything. But even w/o Waddle, no one has come close to slowing down much less stopping them. What you have to do is outscore them. The defense is beatable with a mobile QB but you're still going to need 40 minimum to be in it. The question is whether Fields is going to be a pocket passer? If he can't run, it's game over! Honestly, I expect a shootout, we're all going to be on pins and needles for 60 minutes, maybe longer. RTR!

 

[Jim Hunter]

We have two game changers and they have 1...

I'm serious I think we hurt this Alabama team provided Fields can get healthy.

They have two options which is to throw to 6 or run the ball with 22. We know we will attempt to shut down the run and I think Wade doesn't leave Smith all night. Take away 6 and let the defensive line eat against a completely stationary QB.

The defense will have an easier time than they just did tonight. That's what I think.

If it was that easy they wouldn't be lighting up every team they've played. The key for OSU is to score lots of points and try to outscore them like pre-bowl Florida tried to do. Two big questions coming into this game, will Waddle play and how healthy is he? Same question for fields, if he can't run and is one dimensional it's game over. Don't forget about Sark, he'll find the weaknesses in your defense. Expect a high scoring shootout, if Fields is healthy and can run.

 

[Systems_id]

Screw it. We’re winning. Gonna be heavily alcohol induced Monday night but I’m calling it now. Won’t even be nervous. It’s a W.

Sadly out superstition I won’t watch the game live lol. I couldn’t catch the Sugar Bowl live because of emergency work stuff. Imagine my surprise when I checked the half time score. Figured why fuck with a good thing?

 

[Jim Hunter]

Notre Dame has a good O-line. If there's one take away from their game against Bama last night, the Tide Dline can be moved off the ball and their early down pocket push was not good. If Ian Book was any better of a QB, the Domers could have made it a respectable game.

Notre Dame didn't have enough speed at wide receiver or defensive back to make it close. Their O-Line was good but they weren't going to be able to run the ball the whole game w/o balance. Other than the one long drive, they were shut down. OSU obviously has a better offense, it's going to be a shootout.

 

[Jim Hunter]

I just dont get that... why are people so wowed by this Alabama team? They have 1 great WR and a great back to go along with a great QB.

We have two WRs who are equal to or not far behind Smith, a running back who's on a roll moreso than any back, and a better and more dangerous QB.

Just do the math here.

Clemson beat ND worse than Bama did and we just dismantled Clemson.

Frankly I may be in the minority here but I wouldn't be shocked if the games not particularly close.

Everyone won't shut up about the Alabama offense but seriously we just played a more dangerous QB than the one we will face and IMO Clemson had the deeper WR core.

Where Alabama can hurt us that Clemson couldn't is up front. Alabama is better on the OL by far over Clemson and they have a back that's more physical than Etienne although perhaps not as explosive.

Something to remember is Alabama lost their center vs Florida so that's not great for them considering who we have at DT.

Maybe I'm crazy but my first thought is a very similar game that we just had. What is also encouraging is our DL couldn't go all out to pressure Lawrence because of his mobility. Well, that's not an issue against Mac Jones.

 

[Jim Hunter]

IMO no Smith is not that far ahead of Olave or Wilson. Is he better? Yes. Clearly? No.

Of course Mac is on the same level as a passer as JF and yes you're right maybe he's been better. I'm talking Justin's complete game with the ability to pick up some yards with his feet. So hopefully JF is healthy because that's the difference between Mac and Justin.

I acknowledged how good Alabama's running back is and he's a better running back than Etienne. My point was he's maybe not as dangerous recieving.

The transitive game approach doesnt always work sure but it absolutely can tell us some things. What it tells me is Alabama's defense is at best as good as Clemson and our defense is better than Notre Dame.

That's why I wouldn't be surprised if we win 49 to 31 in a bigger than expected win.

This is consistent for me though I truly felt going in I wanted Alabama over Clemson.

As a Bama fan, this is not the best Bama D I've seen by any stretch but they do have Surtain, the best cover corner in the country, and the other corner Jobe is not far behind. The offense even w/o Waddle is going to light up the scoreboard. You'll need Fields to be a true dual threat. If he's healthy, and if Waddle is a non factor, expect a shootout.

 

[Jim Hunter]

The first potent offense they shut down this year will be the first one... sure they look amazing vs shit opponents but when the talent level goes up they don't seem to do too well.

On defense from what I can tell...

Big and strong DL but not overly athletic. They don't have quite the pass rush but they're hard to move. That said they still have given up the run more so than years past. They have 1 really good LB but the others seem to be just okay. They have from what I recall a really good DB but as a group they aren't what they've been. Still prone to giving up plays behind the secondary.

On offense very physical which opens up play action pass. They are much like us actually but IMO not as good of an offensive line with their center out now for the year. They'll go 2 tight ends or they'll spread you out. Very good offense but IMO they're very top heavy with most plays being made by Smith or Harris.

That's fair. Losing an AA center is a big loss, prior to his loss it was the O-Line I've ever seen at Bama. All five across will likely start in the NFL.

 

[cmstophe]

As a Bama fan, this is not the best Bama D I've seen by any stretch but they do have Surtain, the best cover corner in the country, and the other corner Jobe is not far behind. The offense even w/o Waddle is going to light up the scoreboard. You'll need Fields to be a true dual threat. If he's healthy, and if Waddle is a non factor, expect a shootout.

It’s going to be a shootout. Period. Whoever has the ball last is in good shape.I’ll take the guys in scarlet and grey.