Sugar Bowl 2015: Schedule, TV Info and More for Ohio State vs. Alabama
Fireworks may go off around the world at midnight on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2015, but college football’s version of an explosive firework show won't happen until 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 1.
That is when Ohio State and Alabama will square off in a battle of college football titans. It is Nick Saban vs. Urban Meyer, the Big Ten vs. the SEC, and two of the most consistent and dominant programs in the history of the sport.
With that in mind, here is a look at the schedule and more for the titanic clash.
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2015 Sugar Bowl
Matchup: Ohio State vs. Alabama
Date: Thursday, Jan. 1
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Place: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
Channel: ESPN
Matchup to Watch: Ohio State Offense vs. Alabama Defense
Showdowns between prolific offenses and dominant defenses can be found throughout the college bowl season, but none is more high-profile than this College Football Playoff semifinal. Ohio State was No. 4 in the nation in scoring offense, while Alabama was No. 4 in scoring defense.
ESPN Stats & Info noted that something will have to give in New Orleans:
Ohio State will not be intimidated by Alabama's defense if receiver Devin Smith’s comments are any indication, via Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors.
"We’re just going to go out there and give them our best shot," Smith said. "I don't get all into who's the better conference or who's the better team. I feel confident in my team, and I’m sure players on their team feel the same way. We’re just going to go out there Jan. 1 and try to put on a good show."
One potential X-factor in the matchup between Ohio State’s offense and Alabama’s defense is the health of Dontre Wilson. Wilson broke his foot during the Buckeyes’ win at Michigan State but was one of the most dynamic players on the roster before that.
He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had 300 receiving yards as a multipurpose threat before the injury and was Ohio State’s primary kick returner. Wilson’s speed, especially when Ohio State picks up the tempo against Alabama, will pose a serious problem for the Crimson Tide if he plays.
Adding a healthy Wilson to the passing game would be critical, as the best way to beat Alabama is through the air. The Crimson Tide were 60th in the nation against the pass this season and will have to deal with Wilson, Smith, Evan Spencer, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall.
Smith and Thomas are the deep threats, while Marshall and Wilson are the speedsters who can line up all over the field, be it in the slot, in the backfield or on the outside.
Of course, even with all these weapons, the key for Ohio State is the performance of third-string quarterback Cardale Jones. Jones dominated Wisconsin on the way to a 59-0 win in the Big Ten Championship Game, but dealing with Alabama on this big of a stage in his second career start is a completely different situation.
The Crimson Tide struggled to defend the deep ball in the Iron Bowl against Auburn, and Jones connected with Smith for three long touchdown passes in the Big Ten title game. Don’t be surprised when the Buckeyes throw it deep early and often in the Sugar Bowl.
That may be the best way to soften the defense up the middle against Alabama, as the Crimson Tide were second in the nation against the run. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was arguably the best player on the field for Ohio State against Wisconsin, with 220 rushing yards, but he will have difficulty finding running room against Alabama’s front seven.
Statistically, the Buckeyes would be much better off attacking Alabama through the air than on the ground, although the pace Ohio State uses will be interesting. The Crimson Tide struggled to slow down Auburn’s up-tempo attack and could have similar problems against the Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl.
Bill Landis of Cleveland.com suggested that the Buckeyes could exploit Alabama’s defense with speed:
Ultimately, Alabama’s best chance of slowing down Ohio State’s litany of receivers and up-tempo attack is through a solid pass rush. Jonathan Allen, Xzavier Dickson, Ryan Anderson, A'Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed and Co. racked up 28 sacks on the season, but it won't take sacks to slow the Buckeyes down.
Even discernible pressure could impact the relatively untested Jones and give Alabama’s secondary a better chance by forcing him to get rid of the ball earlier than he would like.
Ohio State put up most of its offensive statistics with J.T. Barrett instead of Jones at quarterback, while Alabama was able to keep most of its opponents from scoring a lot of points despite a suspect secondary. Which unit thrives during the Sugar Bowl will likely determine the outcome of the game.
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