lets grade the game
Bama gets the edge @ QB x2, RB x1 and WR x1
Bama gets the edge @ OL x2, DB's x1.5
Bama gets a big edge @ coach x3
ST x1
Experience Bama x2
ND gets small edge @ LB x 1/2
DL is bout even
Crowd bout even
Emotion even
Crowd even
So if above is correct, one must give Bama a huge edge tonite. But all of the talking heads on tv say u can throw all the stats out for this game. OK, lets do that. No#s... So what are we left with.
Alabama did a better job of blowing out inferior opponents, but that's been shown to mean little. ND played a more diverse schedule, traveling to farther-away places. Both teams were involved in last-minute games. The Irish didn't face an environment the likes of LSU's Death Valley, but that's because there is no environment the likes of Death Valley and anyway, the national championship crowd is split, so noise isn't a big factor. All indications are that neither team will be shocked by what the other has to offer, and this can be a real concern for the non-SEC team. The current SEC BCS streak is pretty big but in my mind is the fact that ND gutted out wins the old fashion way. I believe playing LSU regularly will help the Tide coaches prepare for a good ND defensive front seven. LSU's defense is faster than Notre Dame's, but Notre Dame's is stouter, with a trio of 300-pounders making up the 3 in their 3-4. In last year's championship game, Saban and crew elected to throw often on first down, something they're loath to do. Needless to say, this caught LSU off guard. This will be one of the key decisions for Saban, whether to break character and attack the weaker part of Notre Dame's defense, its secondary, or to stick with heavy doses of the power running game and hope to wear the Irish down. I think Bama will be able to run the ball overall, maybe not 1qtr, but eventually running will open the passing game and that will be big.
The Alabama offensive line. The Notre Dame defensive front seven. This will be a startling collision of agile big 'men'. The Alabama maulers have been the heart of the team for years. They don't miss assignments. They're big and they can move. They've got physical runners behind them. Notre Dame will slow down the run, but Saban of course will stick with it. Noseguard Nix and linebacker Te'o, both excellent players, will need to be just as fierce in the fourth quarter as in the first. I dont think they will be though as their ass will be dragging. Also, if AJ McCarron has time, he will beat you. Stopping the run won't be enough for Notre Dame. They'll need to hurry McCarron in passing situations. And ND may be able to do this in 1sr qtr but not for entire game.
With Bama receiver Kenny Bell ailing, Amari Cooper has become the deep threat for the Tide. He's a true freshman but he doesn't play like one. If McCarron has time to set his feet, the Irish secondary will have its hands full with Cooper. Out of the Bama backfield, Lacy is more the hammer and Yeldon more the big-play changeup. Both teams obviously have dominating defenses but Alabama has something Notre Dame does not which is a powerful offense, led by an outstanding qb who can put points on the board, that it can crank up when the money is on the line in as it did in win over Georgia in the SEC championship game.
For Notre Dame, it's a team attack based on being versatile. You don't expect any record-breaking individual performances from them, but they're a chain-moving headache and I love that type of football. I can only imagine the hours that have been put in by Saban and his defensive coaches as they prepare for the nightmare matchup that is Eifert, a walking pass-interference flag who can line up at tight end or out wide. Riddick lines up everywhere. The receivers are good enough to make plays when needed. Cierre Wood can break off chunks of yardage. Golson will hurt you with his fast feet. The Alabama defense is more sound than disruptive this season, and they better be sound as a pound against the shifty tricks of Kelly and offensive coordinator Martin.
I can keep on adding thoughts but the bottom line is Bama O rushing and then passing as it opens up against a very good ND defense and their inexperienced QB
I think the score will be 31/35 for Bama and 10 to 14 for ND
While I played this Big on the Open with Bama -6 nickel and Bama -7 for a nickel(pts bought). If I was playing the line @ present, I would buy the hook and Play the -9 and still feel comfortable with the wager.I actually feel good @ anything under 14. So for posting purposes at present available lines
Alabama* -9 -120 vs Notre Dame dime
Alabama/Notre Dame* Over 40 -115 230/200
lol
