The first half of the 2021 national championship game certainly didn’t disappoint.
A back and forth affair between Alabama and Ohio State is entertaining millions across the country and is setting up for an exciting finish.
Offensively for Alabama, it’s big three are firing on all cylinders.
Quarterback Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith are once again proving to be one of the deadliest connections in the history of college football. Jones has consistently delivered the ball to the Heisman Trophy winner who has dominated the game thus far.
But the turnover bug did bite the Crimson Tide in a key spot as Jones fumbled the ball deep in his own territory setting up for an Ohio State score. However, the offense marched right back down the field and hit running back Najee Harris for a score.
Harris has made his presence felt in the first half, although a lot of his rushing yards have been well earned against an impressing Buckeyes front seven.
Alabama’s offensive leaders in the first half:
Mac Jones: 25/30 342 yards, 4 touchdowns
DeVonta Smith: 12 catches, 215 yards, 3 touchdowns
Najee Harris: 11 attempts 45 yards, one rushing touchdown, 5 catches 66 yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Defensively, Alabama has shown flashes of good play in the first quarter but appeared locked in during key spots of the game. Despite Trey Sermon leaving the game with a shoulder injury Ryan Day’s offense has still gashed them on the ground.
Alabama’s secondary also suffered a big loss as safety Jordan Battle was ejected for targeting with six minutes to go in the half.
The health of quarterback Justin Fields will once again be something to watch as the game goes on as he still appears to be bothered by his rib injury.
Completely stopping this Ohio State offense is unrealistic but Pete Golding must find a way to slow it down in the second half.
Alabama’s defensive leaders:
Dylan Moses: 5 tackles, 2 solo tackles
Chris Allen: 4 tackles, 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Christian Harris: 4 tackles, 2 solo tackles
The Crimson Tide head to the half with the lead with a score of 35-17.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
