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SDS takes a position-by-position look at the Orange Bowl between No. 7 Mississippi State and No. 12 Georgia Tech to see which team has the advantage.
Quarterback — Alabama: This wouldn’t have been such a no-brainer before J.T. Barrett’s injury, but Blake Sims has a huge leg up on Cardale Jones under center. In his first season as Alabama’s starter, Sims was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country and put up the best statistical season in Alabama history. While Jones was very solid against Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game, he’ll be making just his second career start and is still an unknown.
Running back — Alabama: The combination of T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry provides a one-two punch that will be as good as any Ohio State has seen this season. Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a sophomore, but the Buckeyes will be without their second-leading rushing in Barrett. Alabama wears down opponents over the course of games and allows the massive Henry to destroy tired opponents late.
Wide receiver — Alabama: Once again, one of Amari Cooper is enough to top the best two receivers on any other team. Devin Smith has been a big-play threat all year for the Buckeyes, averaging 26 yards per catch and scoring 11 touchdowns, while Michael Thomas served as a good possession receiver. They pale in comparison to the record-breaking Cooper, while DeAndrew White has stepped up in recent games for the Crimson Tide.
Offensive line — Alabama: Alabama LT Cam Robinson is already getting buzz as the best Crimson Tide lineman in years after his freshman year, and the Crimson Tide have been unbelievable in protecting the quarterback all year, allowing half as many sacks as Ohio State. Against the Buckeyes’ nasty defensive line, they’ll need every bit of that.
Defensive line — Ohio State: Led by Joey Bosa, the Buckeyes have one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the country. Bosa is a beast against the pass and the run, with 13.5 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss. With Michael Bennett and Adolphus Washington in the middle of the line, OSU will put as much pressure on Alabama’s offensive line as anyone this season. Alabama’s defensive line had an excellent season as well, with the Tide leading the country in run defense, but even they can’t match the talent on the other side.
Linebackers —Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s linebacking corps had a huge hand in that top-rated run defense. Trey DePriest plays downhill well, while Reggie Ragland flies around doing a bit of everything. Alabama also derives a good bit of its pass rush from Xzavier Dickson and Ryan Anderson. Ohio State certainly has standouts in leading tackler Joshua Perry and freshman Darron Lee, but they don’t quite match Alabama’s depth.
Secondary — Ohio State: Alabama’s secondary has been leaky in recent weeks, despite the presence of Landon Collins and Nick Perry. OSU CB Doran Grant will be among the best defensive backs to square off against Cooper this season, while Vonn Bell is capable of wreaking havoc from the safety spot.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
