College Football Playoff: How would an 8-team playoff pan out?

The Crimson Tide return to the title game for the first time since 2018

1. Alabama v. 4. Ohio State

The last time Alabama played Ohio State in the National Semifinal, the Buckeyes were the No. 4 seed and former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot got the ball 20 times and ran it for 230 yards, as the Buckeyes upset the Crimson Tide 42-35. The Buckeyes don’t have Ezekiel Elliot in this game, but they have weapons all over the field.

This game promises to be high scoring like the 2014 game. Alabama has the offensive line to keep Mac Jones clean and Ohio State’s pass rush is not as good as it has been in past seasons. Despite the strength of Alabama’s defense being their secondary, Ohio State has too many weapons not to stress Alabama’s defense.

Though the strength of both teams traditionally is defense, opponents have shown you can move the ball on both teams. This game would be Justin Fields’ second time in the playoff while Mac Jones is making his debut. In this situation, however, that might not matter much. Jones plays with a swagger at quarterback that would have you believe he’s started every year on campus.

This game shapes up to be a “whoever has the last possession wins” scenario. Both quarterbacks take good care of the football and neither team turns it over often. The difference in this game could be the running game. Najee Harris and Alabama’s offensive line gives the Tide an advantage here. The Crimson Tide win 2020’s version of “The Game of the Century.”

Score: Alabama 41, Ohio State 35