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Alabama Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Ohio State in 2021 national title

By Michael Hanich

Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) jumps over Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick McCloud (4)during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) jumps over Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick McCloud (4)during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; AlabamaÕs Mac Jones (10) turns with the ball after a snap during the 2021 College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Robert Franklin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; AlabamaÕs Mac Jones (10) turns with the ball after a snap during the 2021 College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Robert Franklin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mac Jones only gets sacked twice, throws five touchdowns

While it was DeVonta Smith that has won the Heisman Trophy, it shouldn’t go unnoticed that quarterback Mac Jones was the orchestrator of the offense. Jones came into the season with many questioning if he was good enough to start over potential true freshman phenom quarterback Bryce Young. Jones started the season strong and only finished stronger for Alabama.

Jones’ ability to tear apart defensive coverage schemes and play setups helps create an edge of where he delivers efficient deep passes to Smith, John Metchie and even Jaylen Waddle in the first half of the season. His arm talent matches that of a consistent NFL quarterback that can air the ball consistently.

It helps Jones and the Tide’s offense that they have one of the most efficient offensive line in the nation. Through 12 games this season, the Tide’s offensive line allowed 17 total sacks. Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood is the nation’s Outland Award Winner. While the Tide have missed their 2020 Rimington Award-winning center Landon Dickerson since the end of the SEC title game against Florida, backup senior center Chris Owens has done a solid job as the new starter.

The offensive line of Alabama will be competing against the defensive line of the Buckeyes, who does not have the elite NFL talent they have had for the past three seasons. In seven games this season, the defense for the Buckeyes have accounted for 41 total tackles and 19 sacks. No one for Ohio State has accounted for more than 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss this season.

If the offensive line can keep the pocket clean for Jones to dissect Ohio State, Jones will be able to have a highly-productive game.

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