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There could be many more red flags than three when it comes to the reasons why the Buckeyes lost 52-24 to Alabama. Despite a decent start, the game completely slipped from the hands of Ohio State. Here are some of those reasons…
- Injuries and Covid
The Buckeyes were once again missing many players for the game due to positive tests/contact tracing. Although the number did go down to 13 out, the absence of Tommy Togiai and Tyreke Smith on the defensive line seemed to make a large impact.
The Buckeyes have overcome this issue before, even against Clemson. It does not change the fact that it is hard to consistently be replacing players schematically because each player is different.
We all knew Justin Fields was also coming into the game with an injury sustained during the semifinal. His father referred to the injury as a hip pointer and no one truly knew the severity going into the championship. This is because Fields is a tough player. Through the pain, his adrenaline and fighting spirit led him to a gritty performance versus the Tigers.
From the start of last night’s game, Fields looked different. He did not play poorly but missed throws he usually hits regularly. Of course Fields was going to play because he is a star and leader. The question can be posed though that C.J. Stroud at 100 percent would have made a difference compared to what looked like a 70 percent Fields.
The injuries during the game began to pile up as well. On the first carry, Trey Sermon injured his shoulder and was later taken to the hospital. The loss of Sermon certainly hurt because he was likely going to be a huge part of the game plan.
The last major injury came from a poor play call. The Buckeyes were down and desperately needed to go to the air. Instead they ran the ball in some strange circumstances and one run up the middle led to star right guard Wyatt Davis sustaining an injury.
Ohio State needed to be as close to full force as possible to defeat this Alabama team.
- Kerry Coombs
I have a love – hate relationship when it comes to the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach.
The part I have always loved about him during his first stint with the Buckeyes and this one as well is the fact that he is full of energy. The man has to be hyped up on caffeine 24/7. He is always jumping around and getting excited with his players. He genuinely wants them to succeed and cares about all of them. That is a great aspect.
The hate part comes from the fact that technique and strategy in the secondary is sometimes questionable. From 2012-2017, there is no denying Coombs helped produce incredible talents. Often times in crucial moments, his defensive backs appeared to get too handsy. This led to holding calls and pass interference penalties.
When Coombs left for the Tennessee Titans job, the Titans had a top ten secondary in the NFL, but Ohio State seemed to improve as well. The Buckeyes were tracking the ball well in the air and even switched to a better system for their personnel.
For one season, Jeff Hafley came from the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive back coach to the Buckeyes. In 2019, Hafley switched the system from two corners and two safeties to three corners and a deep safety. This system with Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette, Shaun Wade and Jordan Fuller was incredible. Hafley made the system work perfectly for his talented player.
Okudah was jamming receivers at the line, Arnette was locking down the other side, Wade came on the corner blitzes or picked up slot receivers or tight ends and Fuller served as a leader and cleaned up middle of the field, roaming from sideline to sideline when necessary. It was so well planned and executed.
Losing three of the four players to the draft was big but Hafley heading to Boston College was the biggest loss.
Once Coombs returned, he tried to copy the system with Wade on the outside, a new starter in Sevyn Banks, Marcus Williamson at the nickel and Marcus Hooker deep. It just didn’t match the personnel and even kept an extremely talented Josh Proctor on the sideline.
In the semifinal, Coombs played conservative and had his players keeping everything in front. It worked. Against Alabama he tried to do the same thing, which I agreed with prior to the game. Once the action began, it looked like the secondary wasn’t ready to play. Heisman winner DeVonta Smith had way too much room, Wade looked like he was jogging and Banks was lost multiple times. As much as that’s on the players, Coombs needed to have them prepared.
Also, they needed to start taking chances to intercept the ball and force that crucial turnover to change the course of the game. The secondary never took any chances and played prevent the entire time. That’s a head scratcher…
- Alabama is simply that good
Alabama’s defense is good but not great in my opinion. They did just enough though to slow the Buckeyes down early. The offense was electric!
Mac Jones was finding Smith with ease and the superstar wide receiver had a half to remember before injuring his hand and leaving the game. Najee Harris was right when he said the Ohio State linebackers were shooting the gaps. Occasionally it worked but the screens to Harris and his ability to slip by defenders prevented to pressure from doing much.
Harris is not only a physical back, but his elusiveness really shined. If it was even possible, he elevated his draft stock last night. Harris will be an exceptional NFL running back.
Nick Saban is the greatest head coach in college football history without a doubt. He is a winner and picked up his seventh National Championship. As long as he continues to coach, Alabama will continue to be in the upper echelon of football.
As for the Buckeyes, they will be back very soon. The talent is still there on the team and the recruiting classes for the next several years will remain in the top five. We could very well see a rematch of this very game soon.
