Sugar Bowl: Can Ohio State run on Alabama?
Allstate Sugar Bowl
No. 1 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 4 Ohio State (12-1)
New Orleans
Jan. 1, 2015
Since he entered the summer as Ohio State's No. 3 quarterback and was forced into a starting role in the Big Ten Championship Game because of J.T. Barrett's injury, Ohio State's Cardale Jones has been the man in the spotlight for the Buckeyes entering Thursday's Sugar Bowl.
But Jones' performance may not be the one most integral to Ohio State's chances of an upset of No. 1 Alabama. Rather, it could be RB Ezekiel Elliott.
While he was overshadowed by Barrett's Heisman candidacy, Elliott is the team's leading rusher with 1,402 yards and 12 touchdowns. Alabama has the best rushing defense in the country. While Jones is capable as a runner, Elliott will likely have to shoulder the load for Ohio State
"Tough, rugged guy that has the break away speed," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. "He's an extremely valuable member of our team and he's a great back. I don't know if he's gotten the recognition because of whatever, but he's, I think, a 1,300-yard rusher and the first two games, Virginia Tech, we didn't play well. And maybe he didn't get the yards for some reason. But he's a 1500 yard back and he's real valuable. And Tom Herman said it, and it's true, he's the best back I've ever seen without the ball, as far as effort, down the field, making cuts, making blocks, pass protection."
The Tide gives up less than 90 yards a game on the ground. Elliott surpassed that mark eight times in 2014 and all in Ohio State's last 11 games.
As usual, Alabama's ground game will be important too. Against Missouri in the SEC Championship Game, Alabama darted all over the field on quick plays and misdirections in the first half. In the second, the Tide simply plowed through the Tigers' front four to pull away.
If Alabama is in position to do the same against Ohio State, it's because Elliott and Jones weren't able to crack the Tide's rushing defense.
Vegas odds: Alabama (-9)
FUN FACT
By now, you probably know that Nick Saban and Urban Meyer have combined for six BCS championships. We'll spare you that as your fun fact. Rather, we'll tell you this is Alabama's 15th Sugar Bowl appearance, which is the most of any team. Ohio State is making its fifth trip to New Orleans. The two teams met in the 1978 Sugar Bowl when Alabama won 35-6.
PREDICTIONS
Graham: In the back half of the season, the only team playing as well as Alabama was Ohio State. However, the Tide is not as weak as Wisconsin and this won't be a romp. That Bama defense gets after the young quarterback and things aren't as easy as they were in the Big Ten title game. Alabama 31, Ohio State 10.
Nick: Ohio State may be the fastest team – yes, I typed that, SEC loyalists – that Alabama has faced this season. Don't be surprised if the Buckeyes' speed gives the Tide fits early in the game. However, I think Alabama pulls away in the second half. Alabama 34, Ohio State 24.
Sam: Ohio State showed against Wisconsin that it has playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Alabama is not Wisconsin. It'll be close, but a late Amari Cooper touchdown will give the Crimson Tide a win. Alabama 35, Ohio State 31.
For more Alabama news visit TideSports.com.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
