Buckeyes and Tide on a Collision Course

The Ohio State football team is one year removed from a National Championship appearance and are defending Rose Bowl champs. The Buckeyes have big aspirations in 2022.

A little over one year ago, Alabama rolled the Ohio State football team in Miami to win the National Championship. The Crimson Tide offense was historically elite with Heisman winner Devonta Smith. However, illness and injuries plagued Ohio State in last year’s game, just Like Alabama last week. 

Would having Trey Sermon, Jameson Williams, and half of the starting defensive line have changed the game? Certainly. Would it have changed the outcome? Possibly, but it’s safe to say the better team won in each matchup. 

As we turn our attention to 2022, it appears Ohio State and Alabama are on a collision course for a National Championship rematch. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and strong candidate CJ Stroud return with prolific offenses next season, though the advantage lies with the Buckeyes. 

Loaded Ohio State Football Team

Ohio State’s offense has the potential to rewrite the record books with TreVeyon Henderson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julien Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr, and Emeka Egbuka at Stroud’s disposal. Ryan Day’s offenses ranked among the top in each of his seasons in Columbus, including a first-place finish in 2021. 

How can an offense lose two first-round wide receivers and still be considered the nation’s best? Easy answer: Brian Hartline. The rising star saw his title expand from wide receivers coach to passing game coordinator duties. Hartline is one of, if not the best recruiters in the sport with a stockpile of talent in his room. 

The addition of Jim Knowles as Defensive Coordinator and Tim Walton and Perry Eliano as position coaches will bring a fresh restart to the Silver Bullets. Expect a far improved unit next season under Knowles and company. The transfer addition of Tanner McAllister and return of Josh Proctor from injury will also play significant factors next season. 

A few hundred miles south in Tuscaloosa, linebacker Will Anderson Jr will lead a stifling defensive unit looking for redemption. Alabama will have a young offense that will grow with a veteran, Young, under center. The Tide will undoubtedly have a better defense, making the Buckeyes matchup more intriguing. 

Ohio State vs. Alabama will be the game everyone waits on all year long, and the way-too-early feel is that it will deliver. More to come over the coming weeks, diving into the 2022 Ohio State football team. 

Image Credit: The Ohio State University Athletics