College Football National Championship: 5 keys to victory for Alabama vs. Ohio State

Alabama key to victory No. 2: Keep Buckeyes wide receivers contained

It wasn’t necessarily evident throughout most of the season and, thus, there was somewhat of a mirage created, but the Clemson secondary was not up to the task of matching up with one of the most talented wide receiver corps in the country in Ohio State. The fact that Fields only completed 22 passes but still threw for 385 yards and six touchdowns is evidence of that.

The Alabama secondary, however, is a substantially more talented unit. But that doesn’t make the matchup any less critical for the National Championship Game. While Patrick Surtain II and Josh Jobe have clear NFL futures, as do the majority of the other Crimson Tide defensive backs, they have not been perfect this season.

In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama gained control early thanks to some key playmaking from this secondary group. However, Florida was able to climb back into the mix and make things close thanks to some big plays from the Gators wide receivers as Bama allowed two 50+ yard touchdowns throughout the game, in addition to a number of other big plays.

Ohio State is going to have success throwing the ball; that’s something that can’t be entirely shut down with the talent of Fields and his pass-catchers. However, the Crimson Tide secondary must be disciplined in coverage to keep those plays contained and not get beaten over the top. It’s those types of big plays that could keep the Buckeyes right on Alabama’s heels for all 60 minutes and, perhaps, hand Saban’s team their first loss of the year.