BCS National Championship Game – Notre Dame vs. Alabama January 7, 2013
Notre Dame and Alabama are meeting for one of the most anticipated NCAA national championship games in recent history. Notre Dame and Alabama come into the game as #1 and #2 in points allowed respectively and have solid rushing attacks. This article highlights each team coming into the game and a prediction for the winner of the 2013 BCS national championship game.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Although they did not enter the season as a contender for a national championship, Notre Dame earned a spot in the game through their tough play and going undefeated despite a very tough schedule. Their undefeated season included wins against Michigan, Michigan State, University of Miami, Stanford, Oklahoma, and USC. They now will face their toughest opponent by far in Alabama.
Notre Dame is the best defensive team in the nation in points allowed per game at 10.3 ppg. They have not allowed three touchdowns in any of their 12 games, and have only allowed two touchdowns in a game three times this season. The most points given up all year was 26 against the University of Pittsburgh. Even while giving up a season high number of points, the defense played very well, as it was the offense that gave up three turnovers. Look for the Fighting Irish defense and Heisman Trophy candidate Manti Te’o to perform up to their potential in the biggest game of the year and possibly of their storied history.
The Fighting Irish offense has not always been consistent this season. As mentioned above, in their contest against the Pittsburgh Panthers they gave up three turnovers that almost led to a loss. Although their are not any breakout performers on offense, they have received great play from their running backs Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick, both of which are average over 4.5 yards per carry. Sophomore quarterback Everett Golson has stepped up when he’s needed to and has thrown seven touchdowns to only two interceptions over the past four games. Having two running backs that have been effective throughout the year will benefit Notre Dame against a tough Alabama defense.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The 2012 National Champion Crimson Tide are back in the BCS title game. An upset loss against Texas A&M; almost prevented Alabama from making the game but their tough SEC schedule and dominant defense helped them earn their spot.
The Alabama defense held four opponents scoreless while only allowing two teams over 14 points. The one lapse of the year was against Texas A&M; where they allowed over 400 yards of offense and 29 points.
Quarterback AJ McCarron has been extremely consistent and is the highest rated passer in all of college football with a quarterback rating of 173.1. Alabama has two 1,000 yard rushers in Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon who both have over 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Although their offense doesn’t get a lot of attention because of their excellent defense, the Alabama offense is 15th in the nation in scoring with 38.5 points per game and 20th in rushing with 224.6 yards per game. Going against the top defense in the nation won’t be easy, but Alabama has the offensive ability to score on anyone.
Game Overview
This will be a defensive battle that will come down to clutch plays and avoiding big mistakes. Both teams will attempt to move the ball down the field through the run while occasionally taking a shot down the field. Notre Dame has played their share of close games this year and has been able to pull out a victory in every one. This game is basically a toss up, and will be much closer than the 9 point spread indicates. I am taking Notre Dame in overtime.
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