CFP National Championship Game: 5 bold predictions for Alabama vs. Ohio State

National Championship Game prediction No. 3: Harris, Sermon both held under 100 rushing yards

Both lead running backs coming into this game have been nothing short of dominant in the two games leading up to the CFP National Championship Game. Ohio State’s Trey Sermon has broken out in the wins over Northwestern and Clemson with monster performances, putting up 331 yards and two scores against the Wildcats before racking up 193 yards and a score against the Tigers.

Najee Harris hasn’t necessarily put up the same eye-popping numbers but he’s also been a more consistent force for Alabama throughout the season. Harris amassed 178 yards against Florida on the ground and then put up 125 against Notre Dame. But the back also averaged over 100 yards per game for the entire season and had 24 rushing touchdowns to his credit as well.

Despite the effectiveness of both players this season, they won’t be heard from quite as much in this game. The first factor in determining that is the defensive lines in these matchups. Ohio State showed their prowess in that regard against Clemson and should be able to do the same on Monday. Meanwhile, the high-profile stars for Alabama should be able to push the stellar Buckeyes front.

More importantly, though, I simply don’t expect the rushing attacks to be part of the gameplan once the action starts unfolding in Miami. These are two high-powered offenses that can attack the secondary. That’s what I expect to see and, for either team to keep the pace, that means putting the run games aside and airing it out.