Sugar Bowl 2015: TV Schedule, Odds and Predictions for Alabama vs. Ohio State

The inaugural College Football Playoff is sure living up to the hype. The Sugar Bowl features a clash of legendary college coaches in Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, producing one of the most compelling storylines in the bowl season.

If that isn't enough, we have extremely contrasting players at the quarterback position. Blake Sims is a senior who has sat and watched, waiting patiently for his turn to start for the Crimson Tide. Cardale Jones is a freshman who was thrust into the mix following injures to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. He'll be making his second career start in one of the year's most important games.

Yes, the Sugar Bowl has storylines galore. Unfortunately, we have to wait until New Year's Day to watch these teams in action, so that leaves us plenty of time to speculate. Here's a look at the game's complete viewing information, updated odds and a prediction for which team gets a shot at the national championship.

Viewing Information

When: Thursday, January 1, 2015

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Info (via Odds Shark):

• Over/Under: 58
• Spread: Alabama -10

Preview and Prediction

This should be an extremely entertaining contest featuring two very well-rounded, yet diverse, teams.

Alabama has ridden a stout defense and very efficient offense throughout the year. Defensively, the Crimson Tide have been fantastic, allowing an average of just 16.6 points per game to rank fourth in the nation. The team has seen its ups and downs on offense this season, but it finished strong, putting up at least 42 points in three consecutive performances.

Ohio State has owned one of the nation's most potent offenses throughout the season, ranking fourth in the nation, averaging 45.2 points per game. That offense certainly didn't slow down with Jones under center, as the Buckeyes put up 59 points on Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship. Defensively, Ohio State is underrated, ranking 23rd in the nation, allowing 21.2 points per game.

So, what must each team accomplish to get a big win and a shot at the national title?

The Crimson Tide need very efficient play from their quarterback. Sims has done nicely in that department this season, aside from a three-pick showing in the Iron Bowl. Ohio State's secondary is very talented, ranking 17th in the nation while allowing an average of 188.2 passing yards per game. No strangers to forcing turnovers, the Buckeyes have 21 interceptions on the season.

The key here is to get the ground game going against Ohio State's 33rd-ranked run defense. The combination of T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry has been phenomenal this season, and forcing the Buckeyes to concentrate on those ball-carriers will help open things up in the secondary for the dangerous Amari Cooper.

Ohio State must protect its inexperienced quarterback against an Alabama defense that has accumulated 28 sacks this season. The Buckeyes defeated the Badgers with big plays, but the Crimson Tide defense won't allow that to happen in the Sugar Bowl. This will force Jones to sustain longer drives, putting him in harm's way more often.

The key for this team is to get the ball out of Jones' hands quickly by taking advantage of short, high-percentage passes and allowing wide receiver Devin Smith to create yards after the catch against Alabama's 58th-ranked secondary. Involving running back Ezekiel Elliott in the passing game with some screens will go a long way as well.

This game will be much closer than the 10-point spread indicates. Expect Ohio State to keep up with Alabama throughout the contest, but if Jones is forced into a late comeback situation, his inexperience against one of the nation's best defenses could prove to be the Buckeyes' undoing.

Prediction: Alabama 38, Ohio State 31

All team rankings and statistics courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of December 9.