Orange Bowl Prediction and Preview: Oklahoma vs. Alabama

Alabama and Oklahoma are playing in the Orange Bowl. The Crimson Tide won the SEC and the national championship. Oklahoma's offense got better after losing Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. Their defense is still struggling. The team's only loss of the season was to Texas. They have a 3-1-0 series edge over Alabama. It's the second College Football Playoff game of 2018. Alabama is making its fifth consecutive appearance in this tournament. Oklahomans have three previous appearances in five years. This game features a quarterback duel between the Heisman-winning Kyler Murray and runner-up Tua Tagovailoa.

Oklahoma is a double-digit underdog in the Orange Bowl. The Crimson Tide's defense ranks among the best in college football. Oklahoma's offense is the most talented and efficient in 2018. Alabama's secondary is vulnerable. Alabama is ranked fourth in points allowed and seventh in yards per play. It's uncertain if Marquise Brown will be able to play for the Sooners. He suffered an ankle/foot injury in Big 12 Championship win over Texas. His availability is uncertain. Crimson Alabama’s defense is better than expected. They rank second nationally in pass efficiency defense, fourth on points and 14.8, and 7th on yards.

Can Oklahoma convert third downs and convert scoring drives into touchdowns? Can the Sooners continue to play mistake-free ball?

Alabama's offense is averaging 47.9 points a game and 7. 9 yards a play, while Oklahoma's defense is giving up 32.4 points per game. Alabama's offensive line won't have guard Deonte Brown due to suspension, but the team has plenty of depth. Damien Harris (771 yards) is leading the rushing attack, with Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs also seeing a lot of carries. Oklahoma is struggling to stop the run this season, giving only four yards per rush and 156.7 yards on the ground. The Sooners rank 85th nationally in pass efficiency defense.

Oklahoma and Alabama are going to play each other in the Orange Bowl on Saturday. The game will be decided on which defense can get enough timely stops and create a few turnovers. Alabama's defense allowed four of its last five opponents to eclipse 40 points. Oklahoma's defensive team did just enough in games against West Virginia and Texas to hold on for the win.

Oklahoma and Alabama are going to play in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night. The winner will go to the national championship game. The Crimson Tide's secondary is not as dominant as in previous years, but they can make a couple of stops to swing the game in their favor.