Please make it a blowout

I have several friends that are die-hard Notre Dame fans and they will tell you I have been slow to come around regarding the Irish football success this season.  At the same time those friends will tell you I have no problem with Notre Dame's place in this year's national championship game.  It is simple, they fulfilled the obligations of their schedule and won every game.  (A schedule that has ultimately been rated slightly tougher than Alabama's.)  The Irish can't do more than that.  They've earned their top ranking and spot in the title game. 

Courtesy MrCFB, Tony Barnhart... 3 hours before kickoff

In contrast, Alabama detractors have a valid argument for Oregon to be the more deserving opponent.  Oregon's biggest blemish was similar to Florida's.  Each lost a game that kept them out of their own conference championship game, but let's not forget that issue did not keep Alabama out of the NCG in the past.  Oregon was also solid in their bowl appearance, and we all know what happened to the Gators.


The long layoff for teams before bowl games occasionally creates some mysterious results, but that often has more to do with motivation than any other factor.  Teams playing one game for a national championship will be motivated.  I don't think Alabama will be complacent as a defending national champion.  That means coaching, preparation, talent, and experience are a bigger deal in this game than most other bowl games and my opinion is the Crimson Tide hold an advantage.

Notre Dame's best chance in this game is similar to other upset bids.  The Irish need to start fast, take an early lead, and be successful enough with their ground game to hold off the Tide.  That would put pressure on A. J. McCarron to orchestrate a comeback and that would not be an easy task against that defense.  I don't, however, expect that to happen.

I have no brilliant revelations here.  My take on this game is similar to many.  Expect a close score at halftime.  Expect two conservative approaches as the two teams feel one another out, but expect the Tide rushing game to eventually prevail.  Many see Notre Dame's defense as the best in the country, but when Bama decided to run directly at Georgia in the SEC championship game their results were decisive.  Both teams want to lean on their defenses to control this game, but it will be surprising if Alabama's offensive line isn't again the big story by the end of this one.  The odds maker point spread sits at 10 points and the Tide should cover with a two touchdown victory.  My guess is 24-10.

If Notre Dame can somehow pull off the upset, please let it be by a two possession or more difference.  Even though we want a thrilling game as fans, we want our national champion to be definitely determined -- especially if it is an upstart, new team in the title mix.  Like it or not, Alabama gets the benefit of the doubt if they win a close game.  Similar to boxing or the Ryder Cup, the title holder gets to retain status in a perceived draw.  Since Notre Dame is breaking new ground (they were unranked to begin the year and are new to the title discussion in recent years), we do not want to hear about how the Irish (or the Tide for that matter) benefited from some controversial call.  If they can win it, let Notre Dame win in such a manner that no one doubts their prowess.  Let them have a clear cut victory -- even a blowout.

Either way, this game gives us some great story lines and plenty to talk about in days to come.