Orange Bowl Preview: #1 Alabama vs. #4 Oklahoma
Prediction
A few subplots are visible in this colossal matchup. For starters, the head coaching duel between a young lion in Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley and the legendary Nick Saban of Alabama. One is known for his exceptional offensive knowledge while the other has made his name by winning multiple championships and generating suffocating defenses during his time in the SEC.
Also on tap is the quarterback battle between Tagovailoa and Murray. The two dual-threat quarterbacks were in deep contention for the Heisman trophy which ultimately went to Murray but based on their skill set, the game will likely be decided by which QB plays the best and makes the least amount of game-changing mistakes.
Between, Murray, Sermon, Brooks, and receivers CeeDee Lamb and Hollywood Brown, the Sooners have a great combination of offensive ammunition to post some points and make a game out of this. While their defense is rightfully questioned about their effectiveness, the Sooners are too talented to fully dismiss them.
The Sooners defense will be counted on to make plays in this game. I don’t mean just three-and-outs or solid tackling all around. The Sooners defense will have to create turnovers and possibly score on those turnovers. If not, it may be very, very long evening for the Sooners.
Offenses such as Oklahoma’s has given Saban and his defenses fits in the past. From Johnny Manziel’s performance in 2012 to Deshaun Watson’s in back to back national championship games, the spread concept has been known to neutralize Alabama’s defenses by incorporating tempo and creative formations and keeping Alabama on their heels.
So yes, I see Murray keeping the Alabama defense off balance and showing that big play ability with his arm and legs. What I also see is an Alabama defense that is able to endure those punches and be way more trustworthy than the Sooners defensive unit who has shown very little towards doing what they are supposed to do and that’s getting late game stops.