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

3. Alabama will force a much-needed pick from Justin Fields

Alabama will face their most well-balanced offense in the nation since allowing 647 total yards from the Ole Miss Rebels in the third SEC week of the season. When the Tide faced the Florida Gators in the 2020 SEC Championship Game, the Gators had the top-ranked passing offense.

The Buckeyes have the fifth-ranked scoring offense (43.4), 33rd-ranked passing offense (254.1) and fourth-ranked rushing offense (273.6).

With the high amount of talent on both team’s offense, this game is projected to be a high-scoring game. Currently, the over-under projection of the game is listed on The Action Network at 75.5. The Buckeyes scored 35 points in the first half of the semifinal game against the Clemson Tigers. Alabama has scored 347 of the 578 total points of the season in the first half.

The Buckeyes will find multiple opportunities to score often. This will force the defense of the Crimson Tide to push for some key stops or potential key turnovers. The defense for the Tide forced 22 turnovers throughout the season.

Alabama true freshman cornerback Malachi Moore has accounted for three interceptions and one fumble recovery. He is one of the most efficient slot/inside coverage cornerbacks in college football. There might be a scenario where the Buckeyes might have the opportunity to get have one chance of a game-tying drive late in the game.

Fields might find himself facing pressure from the Tide’s blitz and force a pass out in the middle for an easy pick. There might also be a possibility for Fields to throw to Olave or Wilson for a big play where Tide cornerback Patrick Surtain II to make the game-clinching interception.