Alabama Football: 3 reasons Crimson Tide will beat Notre Dame in Rose Bowl

1. Alabama’s offense will be too much for Notre Dame

DeVonta Smith is one of the elite playmakers in college football. He isn’t the only elite player for the Tide offense this season, however. The Crimson Tide will have fellow Heisman Trophy finalist and first-team All-American quarterback Mac Jones, first-team All-American running back Najee Harris and first-team All-American offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood.

Alabama has the second-ranked scoring offense in the nation, averaging 49.7 points per game as well as the fifth-ranked total offense (534.7). Jones has been one of the biggest surprises this season with his ability to throw the ball consistently deep and tear apart defensive coverage and play schemes.

The run game, led by Harris and a tough offensive line, is the underrated portion of their offense. The Tide average 189.8 rushing yards per game, which is 44th in the nation. Harris has rushed for 1,262 yards and 24 touchdowns on 214 carries.

Notre Dame must have a lot of analysis of the Tide’s dominant offense if it wants to have a chance of slowing them down. The Irish defense is ranked 14th in the nation in points allowed per game (18.6) and have allowed a 29 percent third down conversion rate. The least efficient aspect of their defense is their pass coverage as they have allowed 103 passing first downs. Alabama’s offense, on the other hand, have converted 59 percent of their third-down attempts.