NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the All State Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 42 to 35. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Alabama defeated Ohio State, according to 42 out of 43 ESPN analysts.
As college football fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Alabama and Ohio State, a wave of predictions has surfaced regarding the likely outcome of this marquee matchup. According to a survey of 43 ESPN analysts, a striking 42 out of 43 analysts are picking Alabama to come out on top. This overwhelming support for Alabama speaks volumes about the respect and confidence the Crimson Tide command across the college football landscape, even when faced with the challenge of an elite program like Ohio State.
In this article, we will dive deep into why Alabama is so heavily favored, examining the team’s strengths, key players, and coaching advantages. We’ll also explore the areas where Ohio State could challenge Alabama, and why one analyst remains unconvinced that the Crimson Tide will emerge victorious.
Alabama’s Dominance: Why 42 Analysts Are Confident in a Tide Victory
Alabama’s football program, led by legendary head coach Nick Saban, has long been a staple of dominance in college football. With a history of national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL talent, the Crimson Tide continue to be a perennial powerhouse in the sport. Their consistent excellence and ability to perform in high-pressure games have earned them the respect of analysts, coaches, and fans alike. Let’s break down the key factors that make Alabama the favorite in this matchup.
1. Offensive Firepower Led by Jalen Milroe
At the helm of Alabama’s offense is quarterback Jalen Milroe, whose dual-threat abilities have made him one of the most dynamic players in college football. Milroe has developed into an explosive playmaker, both through the air and on the ground, providing Alabama with a unique weapon that can stretch defenses in multiple ways.
Milroe’s passing game has improved significantly over the course of the season. His ability to make accurate throws downfield, particularly to wide receivers like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond, has made Alabama a dangerous aerial attack. However, what sets Milroe apart is his ability to make plays with his legs. Whether it’s scrambling out of the pocket or taking off on designed runs, Milroe’s rushing ability has kept defenses on their toes.
In a matchup with Ohio State, where the Buckeyes have one of the nation’s top defenses, Milroe’s ability to extend plays and create mismatches with his legs will be key. Analysts believe that Alabama’s offensive balance, combining Milroe’s passing and rushing threats, will give Ohio State’s defense fits.
2. Alabama’s Elite Running Game
In addition to Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities, Alabama has a powerful running game that features a stable of talented backs. Jahmyr Gibbs, the Crimson Tide’s standout running back, has been a consistent force throughout the season, rushing for over 1,000 yards and serving as a key playmaker in both the running and passing game.
Gibbs is an explosive back who can break off long runs at any time, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives Alabama even more versatility. Behind an offensive line that is among the best in college football, Gibbs has consistently found running lanes and been a workhorse for the Crimson Tide offense.
Against an Ohio State defense that has struggled to contain powerful running backs in the past, analysts predict that Alabama’s running game will play a major role in controlling the clock and wearing down the Buckeyes’ defense. If Gibbs is able to find success early and establish a rhythm, it will open up opportunities for Milroe to make plays through the air.
3. Alabama’s Defensive Excellence
While Alabama’s offense is often the focal point, the team’s defense is one of the most dominant in college football. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Alabama has consistently fielded top-tier defenses, and this season has been no different. The Crimson Tide have a strong defensive line, led by players like Dallas Turner and Jaheim Oatis, who are capable of applying constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Ohio State’s quarterback, Kyle McCord, will face a tall task in trying to escape the pressure that Alabama’s defensive front is known to generate. The Crimson Tide’s pass rush has been ferocious all season, and it will be critical for Alabama to disrupt McCord’s timing and force him into making mistakes.
In addition to their strong pass rush, Alabama’s linebackers and secondary are among the best in the country. Linebackers like Henry To’o To’o and Jaylen Moody have been outstanding at making plays all over the field, while the secondary—featuring stars like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Jordan Battle—is capable of shutting down passing attacks and creating turnovers.
Against a potent Ohio State offense, Alabama’s defense will need to be at its best, but analysts believe the Tide’s experience and talent will allow them to stifle the Buckeyes’ high-powered attack.
4. Nick Saban’s Coaching Genius
Nick Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and his ability to manage games, adjust strategies, and motivate players is unmatched. Saban’s experience in high-pressure situations, particularly in big games like this one, gives Alabama a distinct advantage over many of their competitors.
Saban has consistently proven that his teams are prepared for any challenge, and his ability to make in-game adjustments is one of the reasons why Alabama remains a perennial contender for national championships. Analysts have consistently praised Saban for his strategic brilliance, and in a game against a top-tier team like Ohio State, Saban’s ability to exploit weaknesses and capitalize on mismatches will be crucial.
The confidence in Saban’s ability to guide Alabama to victory is one of the primary reasons why 42 out of 43 analysts are predicting a Crimson Tide win.
Ohio State’s Challenges Against Alabama
While Alabama is heavily favored in this matchup, Ohio State certainly has the talent to make this a competitive game. The Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, have one of the most explosive offenses in college football, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. However, there are several challenges that Ohio State will need to overcome in order to upset Alabama.
1. Defensive Vulnerabilities
Ohio State’s defense, while talented, has been susceptible to giving up big plays, particularly in the passing game. Against a high-powered offense like Alabama’s, which features dynamic playmakers like Milroe, Burton, and Gibbs, Ohio State’s defense will need to be sharp and disciplined. Alabama has the ability to stretch the field vertically and create mismatches, and if Ohio State’s secondary struggles to contain Alabama’s passing attack, the Buckeyes could find themselves in a high-scoring battle that favors the Crimson Tide.
2. Alabama’s Pass Rush vs. Ohio State’s Offensive Line
One of Ohio State’s key challenges will be dealing with Alabama’s elite pass rush. The Crimson Tide’s defensive front is capable of putting relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and if Ohio State’s offensive line fails to protect McCord, it could lead to sacks, turnovers, and a disrupted offensive flow. McCord will need to get the ball out quickly and avoid being pressured into making mistakes, but that will be easier said than done against Alabama’s defense.
3. Alabama’s Physicality and Ground Game
While Ohio State’s offense is explosive, it has often been reliant on big plays through the air. In contrast, Alabama’s offense is built on a balance of passing and running, with the Crimson Tide’s physicality in the trenches giving them an edge in the ground game. If Alabama is able to establish its running game early, it will wear down Ohio State’s defense and control the tempo of the game. Ohio State’s defense, which has shown vulnerability against strong running games, will need to step up to prevent Alabama from dictating the pace.
The One Analyst Who Picks Ohio State
Despite the overwhelming confidence in Alabama, there is one analyst who believes Ohio State has what it takes to pull off the upset. This lone dissenting voice sees Ohio State’s high-powered offense and explosive playmakers as key factors that could swing the game in the Buckeyes’ favor.
Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on Alabama’s defensive weaknesses—particularly in the secondary—could be the game-changer. With McCord at quarterback and Harrison Jr. as a target, Ohio State has the ability to move the ball quickly and score in bunches. If the Buckeyes can protect McCord and exploit Alabama’s defensive lapses, they could make this a high-scoring affair where they emerge victorious.
Final Score Predictions: Alabama vs. Ohio State
When it comes to predicting the final score of Alabama vs. Ohio State, analysts are generally confident in the Crimson Tide’s ability to win. A common prediction is that Alabama will win by a score of 34-24, with Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities and the Tide’s balanced offense leading the charge. Alabama’s defense is expected to make enough key stops to prevent Ohio State from keeping pace.
Some analysts predict a closer game, with a final score of 31-27, highlighting the explosive potential of Ohio State’s offense. However, the consensus remains that Alabama’s experience, talent, and coaching will ultimately prove too much for the Buckeyes.
