The Miami Hurricanes 44-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday was comparable to the Crimson Tide’s 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Title Game in January. Alabama got off to a 10-0 first-quarter lead against Miami. Ohio State was able to exit the first quarter tied at seven with Alabama.
Like the game against Miami, Alabama pulled away from Ohio State in the second quarter. The Crimson Tide outscored Miami 17-3 in the second quarter. Alabama had a 28-10 advantage over Ohio State in the second quarter of the National Championship Game. Mac Jones threw four touchdown passes in the second quarter.
Heisman Trophy winner De’Vonta Smith was on the receiving end of three of those touchdowns. Bryce Young who succeded Jones had three first-half TD passes against Miami. Wide receiver John Metchie scored the first TD of the game for Alabama. Tight end Cameron Latu had two first-half TD receptions.
Alabama maintained control throughout the second half in both games. The Crimson Tide outscored Ohio State 10-7 in the third quarter and a Najee Harris one-yard run was the only score of the fourth quarter to provide Ohio State the final margin. Alabama outscored Miami 14-10 in the third and 3-0 in the fourth quarter.
Alabama outgained Ohio State 621-341. Jones finished 36-45 for 464 yards and five TDs. Alabama finished with 157 yards rushing and two scores on the ground. Justin Fields was 17-33, 194 yards and one TD and added six carries for 67 yards. Ohio State finished with 147 yards rushing averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Alabama outgained Miami 501 yards to 266. Young finished 27-38 for 344 yards and four touchdowns. The Crimson Tide outgained Miami 147-88 on the ground. D’Eriq King was 23-30 for 179 yards, one TD and two interceptions. In 2020 Alabama outgained its opponents by an average of 541.8 to 352.2 yards per game.
The Crimson Tide was second nationally in scoring averaging 48.5 points per game and 13th allowing 19.4. Clearly, the hope was to be better than one of Alabama’s average opponents, but the Crimson Tide made the Hurricanes and Buckeyes look average in their last two games. Games will get easier for Miami in 2021.
Miami will hope to bounce back on Saturday when the Hurricanes host Appalachian State in the 2021 season opener. The Mountaineers won their season opener 33-19 against East Carolina on Thursday in Charlotte. Miami enters the game against Appalachian State as an eight-point favorite per WynnBet where you can wager.