Crimson Tide and Buckeyes One Step Closer To Meeting In Glendale

Heading into October, Alabama and Ohio State are the front-runners to make it to the BCS title game.  No disrespect to Oregon, Boise State, TCU and Nebraska, but the Tide and Buckeyes control their destinies.  Both teams are looking strong right now, but there are some areas they will need to improve if they want to meet in Glendale on January 10. 

The Alabama faithful were sweating a little in the game against Arkansas.  An ineffective offense coupled with a young secondary looking vulnerable led to a 17-7 halftime deficit. Of course, Saban and Smart were able to make the necessary halftime adjustments to take control in the second half, but the game was still in doubt late in the fourth quarter.  In the end, the Tide made plays when it mattered, and that is the characteristic of a championship caliber team.

Between the powerful running game, solid leadership from McElroy, strong run defense and having Saban on the sidelines, there are few reasons to believe the Tide are in danger of losing this year.  Here are two areas that could be problems for Alabama if they are not corrected:

Amazingly, the Tide’s ranked fourth in pass efficiency defense despite the inability to get into the backfield very often. Putting pressure on opposing QB’s, forcing mistakes and disrupting the timing of the offense are important – just not for Alabama. Fortunately, this is not a major issue considering the remaining opponents.  Only South Carolina and Auburn have the offensive firepower to give this defense any significant concern.

The offense allows too many sacks.  With a fairly veteran offensive line, giving up two sacks per game is unacceptable.  Alabama’s season would be in jeopardy if McElroy gets injured.  Beyond his efficiency and experience, McElroy is not going to crumble when the offense is not clicking. Navigating the SEC with an untested QB is a recipe for disaster so keeping McElroy upright should be a top priority on the short list of fixes for this team.

Coming into the season, the primary issue facing the Ohio State Buckeyes was Pryor’s maturation as a QB and leader.  Four games into the season, the evidence is mounting that he has total command of the offense.  His confidence level is incredible, and Tressel’s willingness to let Pryor do just about anything is clearly a sign that Pryor’s promise has arrived.  The Buckeyes look ready for the championship run.

Like Alabama, Ohio State has very few weaknesses.  The staff has done a good job in assembling a well balanced team that is tough to expose.  Despite their strengths, the Buckeyes need to work on these two problems if they want to go through the Big Ten unbeaten.

Coverage on special teams, specifically punting.  For a team coached by the man who said “The punt is the most important play in football,” it almost seems absurd that Ohio State is dead last in net punting in the FBS.  The Hurricanes exposed this weakness, and others are sure to follow unless they stop over-pursuing the return man.  Luckily, most of OSU’s remaining opponents are lousy returning the ball, though that could change when facing the Buckeyes. 

Improving the play of the safeties.  Without question, the inexperience and lack of depth at the safety position are the only concerns on the defensive side of the ball.  Ohio State is ranked fifth in rushing defense, so it is probably safe to assume that no team is going to be effective running the ball against the Buckeyes.  Heacock and Fickell need to find ways to keep the safeties from being exposed.  Most Big Ten teams emphasize the run so this may not be a major problem, but in tight games the Buckeyes will need the safeties to make a big play. 

Alabama passed a significant road test last Saturday, but that was just the beginning of a three game stretch against ranked opponents.  If the Tide beat the Gators at home this week, they should be undefeated going into November.  It is almost unfair that their running game is so phenomenal.  Ingram is just a beast.  Knowing that the defense will continue getting better as the season progresses is just scary.  Alabama appears to be the legitimate number one team, and it will take a perfect game to beat them. 

Ohio State soundly defeated Miami in their only tough non-conference game.  They destroyed Marshall, Ohio and Eastern Michigan which is actually a good indication that the team is focused.  The Buckeyes have not let off the gas pedal against any team. Going to Wisconsin and Iowa won’t be easy, but ff they carry that intensity into every game, Ohio State will finish the regular season undefeated.