The Buckeyes and The Tide

It is easy to say Alabama is favored, it is easy to reiterate Nick Sabans record with time to prepare, and it is very easy to say Ohio State won't win. It's not easy to say Alabama has met its match. It's just not popular to say. However, a couple YouTube searches of past Alabama and Ohio State games and it's not hard to see why the winner of this game will be the winner because of one thing, who wants it more.

For example, if one were to watch video of Auburn, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Arkansas or any other close game Alabama has had, it is easy to see what's going on. The Tide, as dominant as they are, are filled with humans and not robots, meaning, if a team can use a running and passing game to get first downs consistently, The Tide get tired. A defense can only grind for so long before they give up a TD. The Tide are no different. Those videos also show a stout defense (as they have been called) being run through and ran around by running quarterbacks and running backs. Second, those videos show a secondary that can be exploited with an efficient receiver core and QB with a cannon for an arm. Third, Alabama is no different from any other team that is pinned deep in their own territory. Finally, their offensive line can be collapsed with a fast defense, meaning the tackles and interior line create a need for a running QB. As good as Saban is, his team is not perfect and has shown that time and time again

Now for Ohio State. As much as Saban is successful with time to prepare, it still has to be a nightmare considering the options Ohio State possesses. For example, Alabama has a stout running defense. Ohio State has 5 players who can run from the line of scrimmage. Have fun stopping all of them. Saban has a great defense in general. Ohio State has 5 wide receivers and 2 tight ends that are dangerous. No matter what blitz package is dialed up, the Buckeyes, regardless of their play can simply run away from the pressure.

One of the major advantages for the Buckeyes is there no huddle and offensive scheme. The offense gets into position quickly, then looks to the side line in case of an audible. Getting to the line quickly means the defense has to be set quicker. Therefore, if Alabama shows a linebacker blitz up the middle, our backs can simply run to the side or for a cornerback blitz, a run up the middle will suffice as well. The same could be said about our throwing game, in which Cardale will have receivers, tide ends, hybrid backs, and running backs to throw too. There is no reason Cardale should be sacked considering we have a full loaded arsenal of young and proven talent. An added bonus, Dontre Wilson, which brings a whole other problem. Not only is Dontre fast, but he can explode into the open field seconds are reaching the second level of defenders or catching a ball. Jalin and Cardale are the final piece of our offensive onslaught. Both can throw the football accurately, both have the ability to get into space and pick up yards, and both can make defenders miss.

The biggest enemy of the Buckeyes are themselves. Fickell, Johnson, and Ash proved that they can provide a shutout with their play calling. Their biggest test will be Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Nick Saban.