Ohio State vs. Alabama Prediction – 2021 College Football National Championship Pick

Not that Ryan Day and his squad needed any additional motivation, but boy did Ohio State get their hands on some juicy bulletin-board material. In a tweet that has since been deleted, Nick Saban’s daughter called out the Buckeyes for being too scared to play in this game.

Considering just a few hours later, Kristen Saban Setas’ Twitter account had been expunged (after she issued a heartfelt apology), it’s safe to say that she had a quick chat with pops. Man, I wish I could have heard the exchange between Nick and his daughter after that ill-advised act – I’m sure it was pure gold.

In any case, the stage is set in South Beach for what lines up to be a high-flying affair. Let’s dive into an Ohio State vs. Alabama prediction.

The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide are set to clash on the gridiron for just the fifth time. Bama leads the all-time series 3-1, although the Tide’s three victories came between 1978-1995. Ohio State won the most recent meeting in 2015, 42-35 (Sugar Bowl/CFP Semifinal).

Alabama failed to cover against Notre Dame in the last weekend’s Rose Bowl, while Ohio State smashed Clemson in the Sugar Bowl as a 7.5-point underdog. Nevertheless, don’t fall into the “recency bias” trap without assessing the big picture.

Ironically, this will be the first time since November 7th that Ryan Day’s group plays a game without a weekend off in between. Just some food for thought before locking in an Ohio State vs. Alabama pick.

Did you watch the Sugar Bowl?

Clemson isn’t’ as complete of a team as Alabama is, but the Buckeyes stomped the Tigers like they were playing against a JV squad. Justin Fields played looked like the best player on the field, and Trey Sermon was simply too big and too strong to bring down.

We know about Chris Olave and the skillset he brings to the table as an outside threat, but don’t sleep on Fields’ two other primary pass-catchers. In fact, Garrett Wilson leads this team in receiving yards, and tight end Jeremy Ruckert has hauled in five TDs in the last three games alone.

Blessed to be a part of such a special team. The journey continues ! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/MwPljCgfRY

— Ruck (@Jeremy_Ruckert1) January 2, 2021

In other words, the Coach Day is stocked with the necessary weapons to keep pace in a shootout.

Talk about having your hands full as a defensive coaching staff, Kerry Coombs was already scratching his head trying to game plan for a trio of Heisman finalists. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes DC, his headache has evolved into a full-on migraine on the heels of Jaylen Waddle returning.

Remember, when healthy, Waddle is arguably the most electric player in college football.

Jaylen Waddle returning for the Natty?

pic.twitter.com/I3coe4M3Dc

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 4, 2021

Shaun Wade can’t be in two places at once. The leader of the Ohio State secondary will have to pick his poison, but covering “all bases” is simply out of the equation. The Tide are averaging 48.0 points per game in the eight they’ve played without Waddle’s services.

Hanging a “50 burger” on the Buckeyes Monday night in Miami isn’t out of the question. 

I think the guys from Columbus are going to score a lot of points, but I know the guys from Tuscaloosa will. Bama’s offense is littered with so much talent I didn’t even bring up the matchup nightmare that John Metchie III presents.

I didn’t even talk about how elusive and proficient Najee Harris is in the running game or that Mac Jones turned in the highest-rated (according to PFF) season by a college quarterback. Ever.

Feel free to fade the Tide in an Ohio State vs. Alabama prediction.

For my National Championship betting pick, I just can’t do it.