The 2021 Rose Bowl features two great football teams, #4 Notre Dame (10-1) and #1 Alabama (11-0). The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Sugar Bowl in the National Championship.
How They Got Here: Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish had high expectations coming into this season, as they started the season ranked #10. They played great despite their new ACC schedule, going undefeated before their loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship. Some notable wins from Notre Dame was their 31-17 win over North Carolina, and their 47-40 OT thriller against Clemson in week eight.
The offense was captained by quarterback Ian Book. The senior was very efficient this season, throwing for 2,601 yards, 15 touchdowns and 1 interceptions while completing 64% of his passes. The Fighting Irish also had a very strong run game, as they averaged just north of 215 yards per game on the ground. Their backfield was led by Kyren Williams, who rushed for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns on 195 attempts.
Notre Dame’s defense gave up about 335 yards per game, which ranked them second in the ACC behind Clemson. They were led by potential first round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who had 37 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks from the LB position
How They Got Here: Alabama
If you haven’t got a chance to watch the Crimson Tide play this season, you’re missing out. The offense is absolutely electric, scoring 50 points a game, with 544 yards a game. The defense performed well, too, only giving up 20 points a game.
The offense lost their dynamic receiver, Jaylen Waddle, in week four of the season with an ankle injury. Despite his absence, Alabama’s offense didn’t skip a beat. Receiver Devonta Smith is the current favorite to win the Heisman, as he had 98 catches, 1,511 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Smith isn’t the only Heisman finalist in this stacked offense, though. Quarterback, Mac Jones, threw for 3,739 yards, 32 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Just missing the Heisman show was running back, Najee Harris. Harris was third in the country with 1,262 rushing yards, and 24 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide defense has plenty of big names. Future 2020 first round picks, CB Patrick Surtain and LB Dylan Moses, were the cornerstones of the defense. The defense only allowed 350 yards and 20 points a game, which is impressive due to how fast the Alabama offense scores, forcing their defense to be on the field for longer.
I am running the risk of not expressing how good this team actually is, so here are the highlights to their 42-12 rout on #22 Auburn back in week 9:
Prediction/Betting Card
The line currently sits at Alabama -19.5, with an O/U of 65.5. I think this pick is pretty easy, it’s going to be an exciting high scoring game. The high scoring games usually go in Alabama’s favor.
Prediction: Alabama – 52, Notre Dame – 30
Card: Over 65.5
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