Written by Darrell Wilkinson
Top-ranked Alabama and Big 12 Champion Oklahoma are set to meet in the 2018 Orange Bowl which is a Semi-Final game for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Southeastern Conference(SEC) Champions and 13-0 the Alabama Crimson Tide have earned the number one spot in the nation with one of the most complete teams we have ever seen in college football. Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was a Heisman favorite with his elevated level of play throughout the season and is likely the best quarterback Head Coach Nick Saban has had at his time with Bama. An elite quarterback paired with Saban’s usual dominating defense has overwhelmed every team before them with Georgia being the only team to even come close.
The Oklahoma Sooners led by Head Coach Lincoln Riley went 12-1 through the season and won the Big 12 Championship, which avenged their only loss of the season by defeating Texas 39-27. Oklahoma has a Heisman winner in Kyler Murray who’s thrown for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns and has used his legs to add another 892 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. The Sooners are an offensive juggernaut while their defense has been suspect at best throughout the season.
This is set up to be a great game where we get to see this high powered Oklahoma offense try to saw through this Alabama defense like they have through so many others this season but the real impact of the game will be measured by what happens when Oklahoma’s defense has to try to stop Tua and company who have also torn through every opponent this season. You also must keep in mind just behind Tua is Jalen Hurts who ironically engineered a comeback to beat Georgia in the SEC championship game after losing his starting position.
Alabama seems to have to edge but in the coming weeks with preparation, rest and time who knows what could happen come the end of December. One thing we do know is it will be a great game. Be sure to tune in as #1 Alabama takes on #4 Oklahoma in the 2018 Orange Bowl for a chance to play the winner of #2 Clemson vs #3 Notre Dame for the College Football Playoff National Championship. Don’t miss it.
- Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
- Twitter: @TheSkyBoat
- @DarrellW_Sports
