Alabama-Notre Dame Predictions

Alabama football is set to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Rose Bowl.

Touchdown Alabama’s staff predicts how this one will play out:

STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER

Alabama 31 – Notre Dame 14

Key Insight: “This game may be a little closer than the experts think. Notre Dame will look to take shots against Alabama’s defense as well as control the flow of the game. If Alabama can jump out to an early lead and force Notre Dame out of its element, it can create much discomfort for Ian Book at QB. Alabama will be balanced on offense, but Steve Sarkisian has never shied away from taking shots. We could be looking at a huge game from Mac Jones, Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith, but watch Jahleel Billingsley too. Defensively, the Crimson Tide will try to take the run game away from the Fighting Irish. If it can, look for Will Anderson and Christopher Allen to have a field day against Book.”

JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST 

Alabama 41 – Notre Dame 27

Key Insight: “The outcome of this matchup will depend heavily on which defense plays the best. Alabama’s defense is coming off a game where they gave up 46 points to the Florida Gators. Notre Dame’s offense is a lot different than Florida with its balanced attack. Despite Ian Book not having flashy stats, Notre Dame has been able to put points on the board this season. The Irish have scored more than 30 points in eight of their eleven games. Alabama’s defense will have to contain Book to limit Notre Dame’s offense. He has made plays outside the pocket this year. Alabama’s offense should operate at normal efficiency. I will look for Notre Dame to protect against the deep ball to stop the Tide from scoring quickly. This should open things up for Najee Harris and the Tide’s run game.”

PATRICK DOWD / ALABAMA BEAT REPORTER

Alabama 48- Notre Dame 24

Key Insight: “Just like everyone else in the College Football Playoff, Alabama will get Notre Dame’s best shot. It’s physical defense and ball-securing offense will help the Fighting Irish hang around for a bit, but Alabama’s offense headlined by its two Heisman Trophy finalists will be too relentless to hold off for four quarters.”