We are continuing our look and preview of key matchups heading into the College Football national championship game between Ohio State and Alabama. It must be noted that there are rumors of some COVID-19 casualties as it relates to players perhaps being out for OSU, but we don’t know who or how many at this point.
One of the best matchups for the Buckeyes on defense is that between defensive tackle Haskell Garrett and Alabama center Chris Owens. Owens is a really solid center but was not the starter this season after losing his job to Landon Dickerson before the season started. Ownes has played this season, but primarily in a backup role and as a blocking tight end.
With Owens being thrust into a starting spot at center, Haskell Garrett presents a difficult matchup for him. Owens has a solid first punch, but may not have the experience, nor balance, for the first step and hand usage of Haskell Garrett. Alabama may slide a guard to help Owens which will help the linebackers hit gaps a little easier.
We are talking to Haskell Garrett, a defensive lineman for the #Buckeyes. I know there was some concern about that position being depleted, but here he is, on a Zoom call. pic.twitter.com/qWt6ab9hia
— Kevin Noon (@Kevin_Noon) January 6, 2021
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To counter Garrett’s ability against the pass, Alabama may decide to focus on the run where Owens is a better lineman. The problem will be for Alabama if Garrett can get penetration against Owens consistently. Garrett can get disruptive and learns quickly to take advantage of a flaw once he discovers it.
If Garrett can get the penetration in the passing game, it could force Mac Jones to have to move around more, which is not his strength. Filtering Jones to the edge and have to throw on the run is where the Buckeyes could take advantage of the average arm strength of Jones. This is a key matchup that will evolve over the game and could decide the game at some point.
Ohio State football’s national championships through the years