Bama Can Be Beat

 

The reputation of Alabama is almost as unbeatable as the team itself. While Saban has been one of the most consistent coaches in the country at winning and winning big, the Crimson Tide have not been perfect the last couples years. During last years Iron Bowl and Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide's weaknesses were exposed enough for them to lose. In this post, my strategy for beating Alabama will be put forth. Saban's defense has shown it's dominance versus teams that depend upon their running game to establish other parts of their offense. In which case, no running game, their opponent has a difficult time sustaining drives and winning the game. When Manziel was at Texas A&M, he beat the Crimson Tide with his feet and a weak, but experienced secondary. The same can be said for Auburn, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, which have all dealt the Crimson Tide an "L."

With three weeks to prepare for a showdown, both Urban and Nick have ample time to realize and exploit each others weakness. The key for the Buckeyes is penetration and disciplined football. Many examples of this rest in the Big Ten Championship game, where Melvin Gordon was held to 74 yards the WHOLE GAME. Our defense will have to be very disciplined and physical. Bosa, Bennett, Washington, and Frazier (granted the front four were subbed in and out) did a great job of collapsing the pocket. Larry Johnson will have a fun time (yes I am being sarcastic) creating defensive line strategies that will confuse the Alabama offensive line enough to get pressure on a mobile quarterback. Luke Fickell will have to rotate and create different schemes, in which line backers are sent for blitzes, as well as keep them in coverage to guard against the passing game and running. Chris Ash and Kerry Combs have the task of guarding Amari Cooper and the rest of the wide receiving core. On the flip side, Urban and Tom have the task of creating match ups with the advantages going to Ohio State. First and foremost, I would have Jalin, Jones, Elliot, and a couple wide receivers on the field at all times. During the Big Ten Championship, Jalin did something Buckeye Nation has been waiting for, throw the ball. Now Alabama has to guard against Jones and Jalin having the ability to do the same thing accurately during any play they are on the field together. It is said that Alabama's defensive line will stop our running game. Well, that is a simple fix. At that time, we will have Samuel, Elliot, Jalin, and Wilson as players that can run from the back field, either as running backs or as hybrid backs. These four will have to run around the front 4 or however many players are on the line. Is it really that difficult to understand? Spreading out Bama's defense will allow running attacks up the middle, until their defense and Kirby Smart have to commit to stopping one before the other. Jones has already proved he has an arm, why not throw some deep balls to Devin Smith? Recently, Elliot has proven to be smaller version of Carlos Hyde with his ability to bounce off hits, run though tackles, and sprint down the field.

In the end, I think the Buckeyes stun College Football with a victory and send Nick back to Tuscaloosa with another "L." I come to this conclusion with this simple acknowledgement. At this point, what do we have to lose? If we lose, (granted I don't want to think like that) we were in the inaugural playoffs with the Nation's top, although it won't count for anything besides luck in the eyes of naysayers and those that believe the Big Ten is weak. However, with a win we move onto the "King" of them all against the winner of Oregon and Florida State (I am thinking the Seminoles.....unfortunately). In other words, we have nothing to lose. I keep hearing analysts and announcers say, Ohio State wishes they were put at #3 so they go up against Oregon, but than again, what better way to prove you're the best and the SEC is overrated, than to beat the King of the SEC?

In closing, this game should not be as lopsided as everyone thinks, and the only that happens is if Ohio State plays defense and offense as they have most of the year. However, we come away with a win if we play like we did at Michigan State and the Big Ten Championship.

GO BUCKS!