A heavyweight battle between No. 2 Alabama (12-1) and No. 1 Notre Dame (12-0) in the BCS National Championship Game will soon be officially set. Here’s our tale of the tape:
Quarterbacks:
Everett Golson has solidified the starting job for the Irish. He brings some big-play potential on the ground and through the air, but Alabama’s AJ McCarron holds the advantage here. He’s only thrown three interceptions all season, a testament to his accuracy and overall command of the offense. Edge: Alabama
Running backs:
Both teams utilize a two-headed attack. Notre Dame relies on seniors Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood. Alabama leans on junior Eddie Lacy and freshman T.J. Yeldon. Notre Dame has the experience edge, but Alabama’s duo has better overall production and has a knack for finding the end zone. Yeldon and Lacy combined for 45 carries, 337 yards and three TDs against a tough Georgia run defense on Saturday. Edge: Alabama
Wide receivers/tight ends:
Freshman Amari Cooper has emerged as a go-to threat for the Tide. He’s taken on an even bigger role for Alabama with junior Kenny Bell (leg) done for the season. Tight end Michael Williams is a solid contributor for Alabama. However, Notre Dame, despite its lack of a true top receiver gets the overall edge here because of its tight end, Tyler Eifert, who leads the team with 44 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns. Alabama will be forced to consider using a double team on Notre Dame's all-time leader in catches by a tight end. Edge: Notre Dame
Offensive line:
The Irish boast several quality players up front such as LT Zack Martin and C Braxston Cave, but it’s almost impossible to stack up to the Crimson Tide this season. All five starters for Alabama could end up in the NFL, but center Barrett Jones and left guard Chance Warmack are the two that really make this group special. This unit mauled Georgia in the second half, paving the way for 347 total rushing yards against Georgia. Edge: Alabama
Defensive line:
It starts in the middle for the Tide, where nose guard Jesse Williams is one of the strongest players in the nation. Alabama rotates multiple other talented players on a defensive line that helps keep blockers off its linebacker. But Notre Dame has slightly more big-play capability from its defensive front. Starting defensive ends Stephon Tuitt and Kapron Lewis-Moore have combined for 18 sacks this season. Edge: Notre Dame
Linebackers:
This is strength against strength. Heisman hopeful Manti Te’o (103 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 7 INTs) is as good of a complete linebacker as there is in the nation. He’s complimented well by pass-rushing outside linebacker Prince Shembo, who has 7.5 sacks this season. C.J. Mosley and Nico Johnson lead an impressive bunch from Alabama. It’s virtually dead even, but Te’o’s presence gives the Irish a slight advantage. Edge: Notre Dame
Defensive backs:
Cornerback Bennett Jackson is strong in run support and has four interceptions for the Irish on the season. Alabama wins this category, though, despite some inconsistencies this season. Cornerback Dee Milliner and safety Robert Lester are two of the best in the nation at their respective positions. Expect Notre Dame to stay away from Milliner and target junior cornerback Deion Belue. Edge: Alabama
Special teams:
Alabama holds the edge in field-goal percentage, net-punting average, kick-return average and punt-return average. George Atkinson III is a capable returner for the Irish, but Alabama’s Christion Jones has the only touchdown off a return for either team. Edge: Alabama
Coaching:
Brian Kelly has done an admirable job restoring Notre Dame to an elite level. He’s a proven winner who has vastly improved every program he’s led. He’s going against the best, though. Alabama coach Nick Saban is at the pinnacle of the profession right now. The three-time national champion has only lost two of his last 24 games. It’s hard to imagine wanting anybody else on the sideline over Saban when playing for the national title. Edge: Alabama
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
