Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State Football: Three keys to win National Championship

By Blake Biscardi

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Confetti falls on Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after defeating the Clemson Tigers 49-28 during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Confetti falls on Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after defeating the Clemson Tigers 49-28 during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Devonta Smith is the best player on the field between these two teams and will be a tough cover. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Devonta Smith is the best player on the field between these two teams and will be a tough cover. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Minimize big plays on defense, get pressure on Mac Jones.

Stopping either of these offenses is daunting and overwhelming. The game will need to be broken down into the opportunity for small victories such as getting a handful of stops one at a time.

It is no secret Alabama has supposedly the best offense in college football. It features three Heisman finalists — Devonta Smith (winner), Mac Jones, and Najee Harris — and now, potentially, Jaylen Waddle may return to add more blazing speed and firepower.

The Crimson Tide are elite with playmakers in every facet of the game which means the Buckeyes will have their hands full defensively. Not to mention arguably the greatest college coach — Nick Saban — of all time perusing its sidelines.

Ohio State’s defense has not given up a single point all season when there has not been a play of 20+ yards on the drive.

Teams have not had success methodically moving the ball on the Buckeyes. Not to say the Tide couldn’t end that streak, but it’s an important stat to keep in mind. The Ohio State football team is also solid against the run — if they are able to keep Najee Harris in check and force obvious passing situations it will be a tremendous help to the Silver Bullets.

Like Ohio State, Alabama can be a balanced offense, just not as balanced as the Tide are more pass-heavy. It’s not wise to leave corners on islands against a receiving corps like Alabama’s. Ohio State will need the defensive line to get pressure on a not-so-mobile Mac Jones with just four or five guys.

It’s imperative to keep the Bama receivers in front of you. Once they start running behind you it turns into a long day. Jones typically gets the ball out fast and early which is why he’s hardly ever hurried or sacked.

It remains to be seen if Waddle will see the field, but we know Smith will be out there. It may not be possible to eliminate him, but if the Buckeye secondary keeps him in front of them and out of the end zone I like the chances of the Scarlet and Gray. Make Alabama earn their points, don’t give anything for free.

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