COLUMN: Alabama dominates Ohio State
January 25, 2021
Ohio State came in knowing the team needed to slow down Alabama’s higher-powered offense and they couldn’t. Alabama scored on five of its first seven drives, and put up 35 points at half. Alabama’s Heisman wide receiver Devonta Smith had more total yards than Ohio State did in the first half. Devonta Smith put up 12 receptions for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns, and he did that all in the first half! Alabama led 35-17 at half.
The second half started with Ohio State forcing Alabama to a field goal, holding the lead to three possessions. The next drive Ohio State drove down the field quickly and a 20 yard touchdown reception from Garret Wilson pushed the score to a 2 possession game. Ohio State needed a big stop from their defense after getting the game within two possessions, and Alabama did what they had done all night and drove down the field, wasted the clock and a 5 yard touchdown pass to Slade Bowden put Alabam up by 21 and basically put the game away. Alabama added one more touchdown to increase the lead to 28. The final score was 52-24.
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones had a heck of a night going 36-45 for 464 yards and five touchdowns. Alabama running back Najee Harris had 22 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields went 17-33 194 yards and one touchdown. Ohio State running back Master Teague had 15 carries and 65 yards and two touchdowns after stepping in for running back Trey Sermon after he got injured on the first play of the game.
Both teams should be proud of the season they had, especially during this uncertain year.