Sports

The matchups

’BAMA RUN OFFENSE vs. ND RUN DEFENSE

Everything the Tide does on offense, including plenty of play-action passing, is predicated on the running game. ’Bama’s O-Line is considered the best in college football in 20 years and in TJ Yeldon and Eddie Lacy the Tide has two powerful backs. ’Bama is coming off a 350-yard rushing performance in the SEC title game vs Georgia. Notre Dame, fourth in the nation in rush defense (92.4 yards per game), has allowed just two rushing touchdowns. Nose tackle Louis Nix III leads a stout front seven.

EDGE: ALABAMA

ND RUN OFFENSE vs. ’BAMA RUN DEFENSE

The Irish have had to rely on the run game as freshman QB Everett Golson developed. In George Atkinson III, Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood, Notre Dame has three players with different strengths to attack Alabama. But the Tide has been best in the nation in rush defense (79.77 ypg). Coach Nick Saban builds his defense around a two-deep line that is physical and powerful run-top linebackers, such as Nico Johnson.

EDGE: ALABAMA

’BAMA PASS OFFENSE vs. ND PASS DEFENSE

AJ McCarron led the nation in passing efficiency, throwing 26 touchdowns passes and just three picks. He has the next great NFL wide receiver in freshman Amari Cooper. ND’s secondary was depleted by injuries, but safety Zeke Motta has emerged as one of coach Brian Kelly’s most trusted players.

EDGE: ALABAMA

ND PASS OFFENSE vs.
’BAMA PASS DEFENSE

Saban said yesterday Golson is a better passer than he’s given credit for. ND coach Brian Kelly said no player has benefitted more, in terms of development, during the 44-day layoff than his QB. Although ’Bama is second nationally in pass defense, it has been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks like Golson. In its loss to Texas A&M, Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel shredded the Tide. Alabama hasn’t faced a tight end like Tyler Eifert, and Riddick, the running back, can cause matchup problems as a receiver.EDGE: NOTRE DAME

’BAMA SPECIAL TEAMS vs. ND SPECIAL TEAMS

Jeremy Shelley, as a free spirit as there is on the Alabama team, was perfect this season converting all 63 extra points and all 11 field goals. But he didn’t attempt a kick over 39 yards this season and he’s 3-of-9 on field goal attempts of 40 and over in his career. Kyle Brindza was 23-of-31 on field goal attempts, but he nailed a 52-harder against USC and faced his share of pressure kicks. ’Bama was better on kickoff and punt returns. ND was better on kickoff and punt return defense. The Tide gave up one special teams score. EDGE: NOTRE DAME

INTANGIBLES

Alabama is going for its second straight national championship and third in the last four seasons. If ever a program was ready for this stage, it is Alabama. Notre Dame hasn’t been on this stage since its 1989 bowl game, but the Irish found themselves in more gut check games than ’Bama and found a way to succeed.

EDGE: ALABAMA

COACHING

Kelly and Saban have proven themselves as program builders. Kelly won two Division-II national titles at Grand Valley State and turned Central Michigan, Cincinnati and Notre Dame into winners. Saban has established himself as the best in the college game. He won one national title at LSU and two at Alabama. Until Kelly wins one at this level, Saban is king. Both have great defensive coordinators in Bob Diaco (Notre Dame) and Kirby Smart (Alabama).

EDGE: ALABAMA

PREDICTION

For three quarters, this should be a physical and mental slugfest. But Saban has better depth and a more established program. Look for Yeldon to break a run or short throw into a touchdown and extend a 20-13 lead to 27-13 early in the fourth. Playing from behind is not ND’s strong suit and Golson will likely make the crushing mistake he’s avoided the second half of the season.

ALABAMA, 34-13