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2013 BCS Championship Game: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Free Gambling Prediction & Preview

Crimson Tide vs Fighting Irish NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping

In a sport that’s had so much change, scandal and upheaval over a short period of time, this clash for the National Title is a welcome surge of nostalgia for the college football traditionalist. These two historical football powers will meet on the strength of defense and motivation.

BCS National Championship Game
Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-0)
Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, 8:30 pm EST
Sun Life Stadium, Miami FL
Betting Information Courtesy of Bovada
Alabama -360, Notre Dame +300
Alabama -10, Notre Dame +10
Over/Under: 41.5

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If you wanted, it has all the makings of a hokie sports movie.

In all seriousness, Alabama versus the Golden Domers should be an exciting match-up. Notre Dame has a tenacious defense and has shown up to play every week, but the Irish have not played a team as talented as Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.

However, there is only one unbeaten team playing in this game and it isn’t Alabama.

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Head coach Brian Kelly and his troops deserve a full serving of credit for reminding the hordes of Irish fans around the country what it feels like to win.

Notre Dame’s outstanding defense is led by Heisman candidate LB Manti Te’o and DLs Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix. While Alabama’s “D” might be lacking the individual superstar, it is a remarkably disciplined unit that play brilliantly as a team. The Tide seldom over-commit or miss tackles or blow coverages.

There is also crazy-beefy (320 lbs) DT Jesse Williams to clog the middle and allow Alabama’s athletic back seven to flow to the ball.

It definitely seems like two similarly immovable forces converging on southern Florida.

On offense, Alabama has a phenomenal running back duo with fellow 1,000+ yard rushers Eddie Lacy and tantalizing freshman T.J. Yeldon. Tide field general A.J. McCarron gets points for experience and moxie, if nothing else.

The offensive success is absolutely buttressed by what is probably the best offensive line in the country, led by center Barrett Jones. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

For Notre Dame, sophomore QB Everett Golson has done his job admirably. He is assisted by his RB duo of Theo Riddick and explosive Cierre Wood, along with TE Tyler Eifert. However, the Irish’s aggressive defense definitely makes these players look better.

Regardless, Golson is a revelation because finding a reliable pivot in South Bend was a crucial priority going into the season.

The Tide had their one slip-up against Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M, and they also had a close call in the SEC Championship against Georgia. Other than that, though, the Tide made it look excessively easy. Refreshingly, both of these teams have proven that a strong defense and run game can still be successful at the college level.

I know non-SEC college fans are getting sick of hearing this, but it’s undeniable that Alabama is consistently squaring off against tougher opponents than teams from other conferences (including Independent Notre Dame).

If the Irish can pull off a victory against Alabama, however, it will silence all of the constant SEC bragging.

The Irish are an underdog in this game, and despite having an unbeaten season – their best since 1988 – the Golden Domers are rightfully an underdog.

Score Prediction: Alabama 27, Notre Dame 12

By James Hayes

James has been naming every player on the EA Sports video game rosters for half a decade now, he’s finally putting his knowledge to better use writing for us here at CappersPicks.com. Your comments are welcome below…Give Us Your Take!