NCAA Football Free Picks: Alabama vs. Ohio State

After being counted out by the college football community, Ohio State finds themselves in the national championship. Facing the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide, can the Buckeyes shock the football world and win the college football playoff? Both teams are looking to end the season undefeated on the largest stage in college sports.

Two of the most prominent NCAA college football programs go head-to-head, as the Ohio State Buckeyes battle it out against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship.

Alabama football has been widely regarded as the standard for success. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have captured five national championships and have reached five CFP championship games.

As for the Buckeyes, they proved their worth in the Semifinal game after their dismantling of the Clemson Tigers, 49-28. Anyone who disproved of the Buckeyes and their place in the college football playoff were hushed after an incredible performance.

Focusing on the head-to-head matchup, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that betting markets are siding with Alabama as the favorite.

Still a number of days away from the championship game, Alabama is listed at -286 (888Sport) on the money line.

All eyes are on Ohio State QB Justin Fields. After torching Clemson and capturing the Sugar Bowl, many believe that Fields’ heroics could be the start of an unprecedented run for the Buckeyes.

Fields was shaken up during the semifinal and has people wondering if he will be 100% entering this game. Fields didn’t take any x-rays during the Sugar Bowl after exiting the game so his status isn’t exactly clear.

Both teams are efficient in the red zone this season. Ohio State scored on 25 of 39 red zone trips this season. Alabama has been dominant in the red zone, scoring in 48 of 62 red zone visits.

What would scare me if I were a Bama fan is the Crimson Tide’s defense against other high-end offenses. The Crimson Tide allowed 48 points against Ole Miss and 46 points against Florida. I understand Alabama came out victorious in both of those games, but if the Alabama offense has an off-day in the national final, they won’t be CFP champions.

I really like Ohio State’s defense. They have limited top teams like Clemson to under 30 points and handled Northwestern and Penn State’s offense. Of course, the Alabama offense isn’t like N’Western or Penn State, but you have to give credit to the Buckeyes’ defense.

With that being said, I just don’t think I can bet against Alabama this season. I know, nothing is a sure thing, but the Crimson Tide are elite in all facets of the game. With Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris and potentially Jaylen Waddle on the field, the Buckeyes will have their hands full.

The Buckeyes ranks 60th in passing success rate, which favors the Crimson Tide. Alabama is already a pretty heavy passing team and we could see an uptick in passing plays against Ohio State.

Ohio State looked strong against Clemson, but I have been on the Bama train all season.

I think Alabama wins this game straight up (-290) 10Bet but Ohio State covers +8 (10Bet).

• Alabama are 0-4 ATS in last 4 championship games.
• Alabama are 4-1 SU in last 5 games played in January.
• Ohio State are 5-0 SU in last 5 games played in January.
• The Buckeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 playing as the underdog.