Ad Disclosure
Who should Alabama fans be rooting for in the Orange Bowl?
By Sean Labar
Published:
If Alabama beats Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, the Crimson Tide advances to play the Clemson-Oklahoma winner for the national championship.
So who should the Tide fans be rooting for in the other semifinal?
The Tigers haven’t lost a game all season and would be a tough matchup for Alabama. The Sooners, a 3.5-point favorite, have been the hottest team in the nation since a surprising loss to Texas.
But still, it seems like Clemson would be the toughest opponent for the Tide.
The Tigers boast the No. 11 offense in the country, paired with the seventh-best defense in the country.
Clemson doesn’t thrive on running the ball which bodes well against the Alabama defense. The Tigers rely on Deshaun Watson’s athletic ability to take shots down field.
When the Tigers are forced into running situations, Wayne Gallman is a proven playmaker. He finished the year with 1,332 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.
This seems to be the championship game that most casual fans are rooting for. It would be a great matchup. But Alabama fans should want Oklahoma instead.
The Sooners have been good, but they have flaws. Does anyone remember the loss to Texas earlier in the year?
The Oklahoma offense relies on a quick passing game and allowing Baker Mayfield to get into space and make plays on the fly. It’s hard to see that happening against an outstanding defensive front and aggressive cornerbacks. Alabama’s front seven is the most athletic in the country and should contain Mayfield.
The Sooners defense ranks 42nd in the nation against the run, which should favor Alabama and Derrick Henry.
Either opponent would be tough. But for Alabama, it starts with knocking off Michigan State.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
