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What is Versus?
SportsWriters has created Versus. A new way to compare and debate articles written by two sports writers with clashing views. SportsWriters identifies a hot topic and locates two writers (typically from different markets) who have expressed an opinion on that topic, and have written an article with supporting arguments.
The result is a thought provoking opinion match up.
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January 8, 2021
Versus
In a rematch from the first College Football Playoff semi-final in 2014, where #4 Ohio State defeated #1 Alabama, the two college powerhouses tangle again. Ben Kercheval provides 4 ways that Ohio State’s offense can propel it past Alabama, while Bill Bender predicts a 37-34 victory for the Crimson Tide.
No. 3 Ohio State already shocked the college football world once by boat-racing No. 2 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl 49-28. Now, in the College Football Playoff National Championship against top-ranked Alabama, the Buckeyes can do it again. How they'll pull off two upsets lies in their ability to keep up with Alabama's prolific offense.
Alabama (12-0) is in its fifth CFP championship game under Nick Saban after beating No. 4 Notre Dame 31-14 in the semifinals. The Crimson Tide are also looking for a sixth national championship under Saban, and the offense averages 48.2 points per game. Ohio State (7-0) answered any doubts about its playoff credentials with a 49-28 victory against No. 3 Clemson in the semifinals. Justin Fields is coming off a six-touchdown performance despite taking a nasty hit in the second quarter.
Justin Fields' mobility must be a factor
Take advantage of wide receiver speed
Lean on Trey Sermon
Use tempo wisely
In the last meeting, Alabama was just 2-of-13 on third down. Jones will be more efficient than that
Crimson Tide will take a double-digit lead in the second quarter
Ohio State won't go away, however, and a Sermon TD before halftime will set up a thrilling second half.
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Ohio State depth of talent is just as good as Alabama. Should be a close one.
I'm pretty sure Bama is take this one fairly easy. OSU has Covid issues, and simply can't match up this year with our talent. I think it's a 14 point win.