College Football Playoff
(4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish at (1) Alabama Crimson Tide
Notre Dame: When we had our version of Selection Sunday, I was unsure about who could get that final spot in the bracket. The first three teams announced locks to get in. I can admit to you that I was shocked to hear their name. But, here we are. For the second time ever, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a playoff team. It’s been quite the year for them and I’ve been glad I’ve been able to see them play. This maybe the best team Brian Kelly has had in his tenure in South Bend. They’re a balanced football team with an overpowering offensive line, a nice running game, serviceable receivers and on the other side of the ball, that defense is fast and very physical. Some feel they shouldn’t be a playoff team. This weekend, they’ll have another tough task. Saban’s Crimson Tide await them for a showdown.
Alabama: The playoff was different without them last year. You saw how injured they were. Having key guys on the field truly makes all the difference. A year later, Nick Saban has his Crimson Tide back where many anticipated them to be. This offense hasn’t missed a beat. Mac Jones has been incredible for them this year and he plays with such command and control for the offense. I could rave about DeVonta Smith all post long. When I watch him play, he reminds me some of Marvin Harrison. Just like the Hall of Famer, DeVonta is a smaller guy that gets up and down the field with pure quickness and route running. When I think of Alabama football, defense always comes to mind. They struggled some this year, but as things went along, they got better. They’re looking to advance to yet another National Title game under Saban.
Notre Dame X-Factor: Ian Book– I often say the success of this football team depends on what we see from Ian. They truly go as far as he takes them. In the 34 games he’s started, Notre Dame has been victorious in 30 of those games. He must be true to himself in this game. Play your game. Stay within your lane. Let everything come to you.
Alabama X-Factor: John Metchie III– On the other hand, this is another weapon at Mac’s disposal. Because of all the attention that DeVonta commands, John will usually see many one on one looks. He wins many of his battles at the line. Furthermore, he moves well without the ball in his hands to get open which is something to watch.
Final Thoughts: This is a nice way to begin the playoff! When they last met, it was in the 2012-13 National Title game and Alabama repeated as champions. All these years later, here we go. The matchup I’m watching is the Alabama run defense against this Notre Dame ground game. They’ll do all they can to limit Kyren Williams. I’m also watching the Notre Dame defense and how they’ll do what they can to keep Najee Harris in check. When you don’t, he has games such as the one against Florida. Ian must be on his a-game for this. For them to have a chance, he will need to play exceptionally well.
Prediction: Alabama 41 Notre Dame 24
