Alabama is a three-point underdog according to the latest college football odds from BetMGM. This line puts them in an unfamiliar position because, since 2007, Saban’s teams have only been underdogs six times.
The Crimson Tide offense, led by Heisman Trophy-winning QB Bryce Young, dominated this season but suffered crucial injuries in the last two games. How has the Bama offense performed recently, and what should we expect in the CFP National Championship game? Read on to find out.
2022 College Football National Championship Game
- Date: Monday, Jan. 10, 2022
- Time: 8:00 PM EST
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
Alabama’s Successful SEC Championship Game
In this year’s SEC Championship Game, Alabama scored 41 points and gained 536 yards of offense. QB Bryce Young threw for 421 yards and three touchdowns in that game.
More surprising was Alabama’s ability to rush the ball against the Bulldogs. A combination of Young, Brian Robinson Jr., and Trey Sanders ran for 115 yards against a top-five rushing defense.
Alabama averaged 7.7 yards per play against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Before the game against Alabama, the Georgia defense hadn’t allowed over 4.83 yards per play.
Alabama Dominated on Offense in 2021
Alabama did to Georgia what the Tide had been doing to teams all year. The Crimson Tide averaged 40.9 points per game this year, averaging 499.5 yards per game. Alabama’s offense also completed 53.93% of their third-downs in 2021.
Alabama scored less than 30 points only three times this season. They exceeded the 40 point total ten times this season, including 41 against this Georgia Bulldogs team.
Alabama has a balanced play-calling philosophy. They’ve called 514 passing plays and 520 rushing plays this season. However, only 21 of their touchdowns have come from running the ball, while they’ve gotten 47 touchdowns through the air. Overall, the team has 4704 passing yards and 2220 rushing yards, meaning that nearly 70% of their yards have come through the air.
They can score points on anybody and have relied on Bryce Young’s electric arm this season. In recent weeks, the Alabama running game has sprung to life. They ran for 301 yards against a Cincinnati defense that allowed an average of 153.5 rushing yards per game.
Injury Woes or a Downward Trend?
In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama star WR John Metchie III left the game in the first half with a torn ACL. The Crimson Tide’s other star wide receiver, Jameson Williams, caught seven passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Without Metchie III, Alabama still scored 17 points in the second half.
The Cincinnati game, however, revealed some troubling trends. Though Alabama won the day on the ground, Bryce Young only threw for 181 yards. Cincy also limited Williams to 62 yards on seven receptions and no touchdowns. Without the threat of John Metchie III, Georgia could double-stack coverage against Williams and force Bryce Young to look for other targets, which could slow down Alabama’s offense.
Alabama won the game 27-6, but offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Chris Owens were injured. Alabama coach Nick Saban has yet to reveal whether they’ll play.
Nick Saban and the Tide Should Roll
Which Bama offense will show up on Monday? Will it be the fireworks of the SEC Championship Game or the ground and pound of the CFP semi-final?
Either way, it’s hard to bet against Nick Saban. Since taking over at Alabama, Saban has won six National Championships.
Do you think the Tide will roll? You can bet on the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at the BetMGM online sportsbook. Create an account today and receive a risk-free initial bet worth up to $1,000.
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