The 2020-2021 national championship game will feature two offensively strong teams, No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Ohio State.
The offenses are certainly going to be major factors in this contest. It will likely be a back and forth contest with each team making numerous trips to the end zone.
Even though the Crimson Tide is the favorite, there’s no doubt the Buckeyes have the players to get the job done.
Here are five players from Ohio State that Alabama fans should know:
5. Trey Sermon, RB
Photo credit: Kyle Robertson
Trey Sermon was Ohio State’s offense in its Sugar Bowl victory against Clemson, as he ran for 193 yards on 31 carries and reached the end zone once on the ground. He also managed 61 yards on four receptions.
Through seven games, the senior accumulated 868 yards and four touchdowns on 115 carries.
Sermon’s ability to break through the line could lead to him being an issue for the Alabama defensive front.
4. Justin Fields, QB
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Fields is a high-profile name in college football. If you’re an Alabama fan that even pretends to know what is going on, you likely know Ohio State’s star quarterback.
Thought of as ‘QB2’ for the 2021 NFL draft, Fields has a strong arm and is able to read the field well.
Through only seven games, he has amassed 1,906 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions.
3. Chris Olave, WR
Russell Costanza-USA TODAY Sports
Junior wide receiver Chris Olave has been a consistent contributor to Justin Fields’ team of receivers.
This season, Olave has reeled in 42 passes for 660 yards and seven touchdowns.
Olave, along with another receiver we will touch on, make for a lethal combination of similar receivers.
2. Jeremy Ruckert, TE
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
While he has only caught 12 passes, the junior tight end has 115 yards for a shocking five touchdowns.
Ruckert is a large body that can move in short distances, most notably: the red zone.
If Ohio State makes it into the red zone, Ruckert could be a viable option for Fields, as the Crimson Tide secondary may focus on the wide receivers.
1. Garrett Wilson, WR
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Wilson is essentially Chris Olave’s second half. Their stats are very similar and could lead to issues for Alabama.
Wilson’s junior season has one game remaining, but in the seven he has played, he has caught 40 passes for 673 yards and five touchdowns.
Alabama has no choice but to cover both Olave and Wilson tight. Should they let one or the other slip, it could be dangerous.
