NEW ORLEANS Check out some matchups for tonight's Sugar Bowl.
Alabama passing offense vs. Ohio State passing defense
Ohio State has a pretty solid passing defense but hasn't seen a receiver with Amari Cooper's caliber in the Big Ten. Look for Blake Sims and his crew to move the ball if the protection is there which it should be.
Alabama rushing offense vs. Ohio State rushing defense
Ohio State shut down Melvin Gordon and Wisconsin but Alabama has a deeper stable of backs. Alabama could get the edge here in the fourth quarter even against a pretty good defensive line. This is a key matchup to watch throughout the game.
Ohio State passing offense vs. Alabama passing defense
A quarterback with more of a run threat would give Ohio State the edge here but Cardale Jones has a lot to prove. However if he gets time and hits the deep ball like Auburn did it will mean trouble for Alabama.
Ohio State rushing offense vs. Alabama rushing defense
Alabama's rushing defense is tops in the country at 88 yards per game allowed. Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott has been good this year but hasn't seen a defensive line as deep as Alabama's plus the Tide middle linebackers are very good.
Alabama special teams vs. Ohio State special teams
Call this even. Both teams have good punters and return stats are around the same. Both teams also have been only average on field goal kicking.
Alabama coaching vs. Ohio State coaching
There's not a better matchup of national championship coaches in this year's bowl setting. Saban is looking for his fourth title in six years to go along with one at LSU. Meyer won two at Florida. Saban gets the edge here because he beat Meyer in the last big game (2009 SEC Championship) and his program is further along.
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