Notre Dame v Alabama. Tim Giattina Breaks Down THE GAME.

Special Teams

Based on what I’ve seen, Alabama has an advantage on special teams. Notre Dame’s punt returning is nearly non-existent, though George Atkinson has shown breakaway ability returning kickoffs. Kelly – while remaining coy about specifics – has indicated he may mix things up in order to spark plug lagging special teams and it seems to me at this point in the season that’s a high risk/high reward strategy. It remains to be seen what changes if any are made.

Alabama’s kicking woes from last year have improved and Cody Mandell has done a better job punting. Christian Jones is a threat to take back kicks and punts and if he’s given space he can make things happen.

Intangibles

Both squads enjoy intangible advantages. First, for Alabama, their leaders have been here before. They are as battle tested in big games as any team in the country and they live for these moments. AJ McCarron answered the call in last year’s championship game and delivered arguably the best performance of his career. This team will not be overwhelmed or intimidated by the scene in Miami. And then there’s that halfway decent head coach roaming their sideline, aiming to add to an already abundant legacy as the best of his generation.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, relishes in the underdog role. After starting the season 7-0, most members of the media, and fans alike, thought the winning streak would end in Norman. The Irish quieted doubters and dominated a solid Oklahoma squad in their own backyard. Others thought a similar fate awaited Notre Dame in Los Angeles, only to have them prove, once again, many people wrong and punch their ticket to south Florida. In all their public comments, ND players have embraced the underdog role and feed off an “us against the world” mentality.

Now there’s another intangible that must be addressed. Visit any message board with rabid SEC fans (I’m looking at you, SECRant) and you’ll learn that the SEC front office, the Red Elephant Club (REC – an all powerful group of Bama alumni/boosters), the CIA, and the gunman from the grassy knoll are all part of a vast conspiracy to give the Crimson Tide every call – in addition to allowing Bama’s offensive line to hold on every play. Likewise, listen to any radio show or visit other message boards and you’ll learn that the University of Notre Dame, the Vatican, the Illuminati, and the Son of God himself are all part of a vast conspiracy to give the Irish every call. This indisputable factor cannot be understated and come January 7^th we may well find out just which school’s officiating conspiracy is more far-reaching. Throw in Pac-whatever-the-number-is-now referees and there is sure to be a controversial call at some point.

So here we are: college football’s ultimate prize up for grabs between college football’s ultimate programs. Some Bama fans are highly confident about a blowout. I could be wrong, but I’m not in that camp. Given what I’ve seen from both of these teams, I’d be surprised if this turned into a rout for either team.

Obviously it goes without saying that whoever wins the turnover battle in a defensive struggle has a great chance of winning. Both teams have done a good job taking care of the ball this season and forcing turnovers. Both will have some difficulty running the ball and each squad must make the most of every scoring opportunity. Turning to the passing game, I have to give the edge to the experienced McCarron to make a big play late to seal the victory.

And in a battle scripted for football purists, Alabama defeats Notre Dame 23-20.

Editor’s Note: Tim Giattina is a lawyer in Little Rock, originally from Birmingham, Ala., and an alumnus of Notre Dame. He has watched every play of of every game that both of these teams have played this year (and practically every year of his football-watching life).

Read Tim’s story here.