John Tamanaha

Championship game (1/7): No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas
8 p.m. ET at Pasadena, Calif., FOX
Records: Alabama 13-0, Texas 13-0

The Crimson Tide’s version of 13-0 looks considerably different than the one the Longhorns have on display.

To its credit, Texas dramatically fended off serious threats to its undefeated record in its last two games. However, requiring such heroics (and good fortune) to turn back Texas A&M (49-39) and Nebraska (13-12) shines light on more problems than promise.

Alabama nearly had its bubble burst at Auburn on Nov. 27, but came up with a game-winning drive to win the “Iron Bowl,” 26-21. That 15-play thing of beauty provided junior QB Greg McElroy with a needed confidence boost that he put to good use a week later in the Crimson Tide’s dominating 32-13 victory over defending BCS champion Florida in the SEC championship game.

Recent events certainly have us pointed in Alabama’s direction, but an even bigger factor is its running game, which features a punishing one-two punch of sophomore Mark Ingram and freshman Trent Richardson. The Crimson Tide impressively ran for 251 yards on the Gators, who arrived in Atlanta allowing less than 90 rushing yards per game.

Texas is home to the nation’s top rushing defense (allowing only 62.2 yards per game), so the Tide won’t roll at their usual pace, but they’ll certainly fare better on the ground than the Longhorns, who don’t have a ballcarrier averaging more than 40 yards per game and will be facing the nation’s No. 2 rushing defense.

Alabama will have a tougher time dealing with QB Colt McCoy and WR Jordan Shipley, who has an incredible knack for finding the soft spots in zone coverage. Texas’ all-time best pass-catch combo employs a seemingly telepathic connection and is always capable of making a quick strike. But there’s just too much going against the Longhorns, especially at the line of scrimmage.

Although he’s a different sort of mountain, Alabama NG Terrence Cody has got to be licking his chops after seeing what Nebraska DTs Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick did to the interior of Texas’ offensive line. With that massive disruption in the middle, the Longhorns will spend a lot of time headed toward the perimeter where they won’t win enough battles and races.

Opening point spread: Alabama by 3.5

Pick: Alabama 23-17

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