The second of the College Football Playoff semifinals will be played in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 29. Alabama and Oklahoma will face off in a battle of the SEC against the Big 12. The winner will play in the National Championship. Here is the 2018 Capital One Orange Bowl Preview.

No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0)

Alabama and Clemson can now be penciled in for the College Football Playoff every single year. The Crimson Tide went undefeated and beat eight bowl-eligible teams along the way. They were able to beat some of college football’s best teams along the way with wins over Georgia and LSU.

Most years the Alabama offense lags behind the defense, but not this season. They average 47.9 points per game, which is the second best in the country. The rush for 202.2 yards (ranked 36th) and pass for 325.5 yards (ranked seventh) per game.

Tua Tagovailoa (Photo by bleacherreport.com)

Tua Tagovailoa had a historically good year with 3,353 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and four interceptions on 67.7% completion. Jalen Hurts showed in the SEC Championship game that if something happens, he is more than prepared to step into the game. There are many talented receivers for Alabama, but Jerry Jeudy was widely regarded as the best on the roster. He has 59 receptions for 1,103 yards and 12 interceptions this season to lead the Crimson Tide.

Alabama uses three different running backs mostly, which helps keep them fresh. Damien Harris is the most experienced and leads the team with 771 rushing yards to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. Najee Harris has 679 rushing yards, while Josh Jacobs has 495.

The defense allows 14.8 points per game, which ranks them fourth in the country in scoring defense. They allow 117 rushing yards (ranked 18th) and 178.4 passing yards (ranked 13th). While the defense has playmakers all over, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has made an impact on the interior with 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)

Oklahoma is the only team in this year’s College Football Playoff with a loss. The Sooners lost to Texas in the regular season, but were able to avenge the loss in the Big 12 Championship Game. They were able to beat seven bowl-eligible teams along the way.

The Sooners have the best offense in college football at 49.5 points per game. They rush for 253.9 yards (ranked 11th) and pass for 324 yards (ranked eighth) per game.

Kyler Murray (Photo by storminnorman.com)

Kyler Murray had a great season and was awarded the Heisman Trophy. The athletic quarterback passed for 4,053 yards, 40 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 70.4% completion. Oklahoma has two 1,000-yard receivers, which make it easier for Murray. Marquise Brown has 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb totaled 1,049 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Sooners suffered a huge blow when Rodney Anderson went down for the season. Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon have filled the void at running back for the Sooners. Brooks rushed for 1,021 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the team. Sermon chipped in with 928 yards and 12 touchdowns. Murray also adds to the rushing attack with 892 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

The offense shoulders a lot, as the defense has struggled this season. They allow 32.4 points per game, which ranks them tied for 98th in the country. They give up 156.7 yards on the ground (ranked 53rd) and 291.4 yards through the air (ranked 128th). Linebacker Kenneth Murray has been one of the best tacklers in the country with 140 on the season.

Prediction

This should be one of the more fun matchups of the bowl season with two great offenses going at it. At the end of the day though, Oklahoma’s defense will be a big liability, while Alabama’s will be a strength.

Alabama Crimson Tide 46 Oklahoma Sooners 33

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