College Football Playoff National Championship

      Hello College Football Fans and welcome to the final game of an absolutely wild season. Despite the hurdles and challenges of Covid-19, we were able to make it through the College Football Season, and now we get to watch the Tide and the Buckeyes battle it out for the crown. I can honestly say that I did not expect Ohio State to be here in recent weeks, but their performance against Clemson certainly corrected my thinking. Justin Fields was incredible against the Tigers and Alabama had minimal issues with Notre Dame, we should have a great game tonight! I've got a full break down of keys to the game and what to watch for, so read onto my prediction and enjoy!

Bowl Prediction Record: 14-11

#3 Ohio State vs. #1 Alabama - College Football Playoff National Championship

     Despite playing just over half the games Alabama did, Ohio State has found their way back to the National Championship game after dominating their revenge game against Clemson. Justin Fields was lights out against the Tigers, completing 22 of 28 passes for 385 yards and 6 TDs. He'll need a similar performance to keep pace with the Tide, who have the Heisman winner, the Davey O'Brien winner, and the Doak Walker winner all on their offense. The Buckeyes have some deadly weapons of their own around Fields, including WR Chris Olave and RB Trey Sermon. Hopefully they're not any of the OSU team members who've tested positive for covid-19. Anyways, Sermon has been on a tear the past couple of games, after rushing for a BIG 10 record 331 in the Conference Championship, he followed it up with 193 and a TD against Clemson. More than half of his yards on the season have come in the past two games and he's averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Alabama's defense has not been tested by very many dynamic offenses like Ohio State, so bringing down this bulldozer won't be easy. As for the Tide, they're used to running away with games as they rank #2 (only behind Kent State) in the nation with 48.2 points per game. The Buckeyes average 43.4 ranking them at #5. Alabama has scorched every opposing defense that stands in their way thanks to the aforementioned Heisman, O'Brien and Walker winners. The dynamic trio of WR DeVonta Smith, QB Mac Jones and RB Najee Harris have each accounted for a minimum of 20 TDs and are statistically one of the best offensive attacks Nick Saban has ever had. Ohio State was able to slow down the Clemson rushing attack, bottling up Travis Etienne for just 32 yards. Trevor Lawrence did throw for 400 though, and the secondary of the Buckeyes has struggled in multiple games this season. There's even a small possibility that Bama's other star receiver, Jaylen Waddle, could return for the National Championship game, which would really make things difficult for the Buckeyes. I really do think both offenses are too powerful to be stopped by either defense, so turnovers and any pressure on the opposing QB will be very important in this game. Neither team makes many mistakes, which is why they're playing in January. This has shootout written all over it and we could see some very dynamic offensive performances. I would expect big games for Alabama and Ohio State through the air, so the battle of the RBs could be the deciding factor. Both Trey Sermon and Najee Harris are phenomenal, but whichever back can find space and break off some big chunks to ease up the blitz packages will likely help their team to victory. That means the battle in the trenches will be brutal each and every play. Owning the line of scrimmage will lead to bigger holes or getting stuffed in the backfield. Alabama has been known for this year in and year out, but the Buckeyes have one of the best offensive lines in the country and one of the most underrated defensive lines. Since Chase Young went to the NFL as the 2nd overall pick in the draft last year, most people have forgotten about Ohio State's D-line. Their stats aren't nearly as flashy as previous years, but keep an eye on this squad tonight, they are extremely disruptive on the line of scrimmage and will make life difficult for Mac Jones and crew. They were responsible for 3 pass deflections against Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers, so look for their hands to be up. This is my key unit to watch in tonights game as the battle in the trenches will determine who walks out of Miami with the trophy. This should be a great game to watch and I'm giving the nod to the Buckeyes. I've doubted before but I will no longer, Ohio State wins the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship 43-38!

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Alex Fernando