Alabama vs Ohio State 2021 CFP National Championship Odds and Preview

By Hank Blaine • January 4, 2021

2020 was a tumultuous year for many sports in general. Football was affected, but it really didn’t change much of the schedule. We have arrived to the end of the 2020-21 season and it’s time to take a look the game that we’ve all been waiting for, the 2021 CFP National Championship, headlined this season by Alabama vs Ohio State.

After not making it in last year’s game, the Alabama Crimson Tide return to the center stage, looking to win their 18th national title, with Nick Saban as coach. This would become his 7th national title. But this time around, the Ohio State Buckeyes also return to the final game of the season. Their last appearance on this stage was back in 2015, when they won the title against the Oregon Ducks. Since then, they hadn’t returned to fight for another championship. So, this will definitely be an interesting matchup.

As we approach the big game of the season, we’re going to take a closer look at this matchup, along with the latest odds to win the 2021 CFP National Championship, game information, and our latest NitroBetting expert pick.

2021 CFP National Championship Game Information

Party in the city where the heat is on.#RollTide #GoBuckeyes #CFBPlayoff #NationalChampionship

Monday, January 11. https://t.co/Qe3OPUxOYN
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 2, 2021

When: Monday, January 11th, 8pm EST
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
TV: ESPN
Radio: Alabama / Ohio State
Livestream: WatchESPN
Opening 2021 CFP National Championship Odds: Alabama -9/-333/U75.5

Overview

As we look deeper into the betting stats, it seems that the Crimson Tide will be having a tough game. Alabama is the favorite by one touchdown, which is weird since it’s never usually that tight for them. Looking at the latest betting trends and stats, Alabama lost five of the last eight games when they were favorites by a touchdown or less. Will this be a benefit for Ohio State? Keep this stat in mind when placing your bets.

Why Should You Bet on Alabama?

The Crimson Tide won the Rose Bowl, 31-14, against Notre Dame to make it the championship game. This was the team’s lowest scoring output, having had three consecutive 50-point games. In this recent encounter, Alabama allowed Notre Dame to score a touchdown within the last minute, unable to cover the spread of 18.5. This places them at 0-4 in their last four Bowl appearances.

Although DeVonta Smith is the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, his performance in the Rose Bowl wasn’t what he usually displays. He was able to do 130 yards and 3 touchdowns. He definitely will be a player to watch, since he might get plenty of yards in the championship game, due to the Buckeye’s lack of defense, allowing the most passing yards in the division.

Why Should You Bet on Ohio State?

The Buckeyes are coming off a great 49-28 win in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson. They took the Tigers defense for 639 total yards and led by 385 passing yards, with six touchdowns in the process. They definitely took Clemson by surprise, despite being the underdog. But this is a role they’ve had a while. As of right now, Ohio State is 5-2 ATS in bowls.

Their star quarterback, Justin Fields, might not be 100% for the championship game, as he took a hit in the midsection in the Sugar Bowl, leaving him with sore ribs. But his passing will be the factor that might give them the title. With guys like Trey Sermon, who took 193 yards on 31 carries, helped bring victory to the team.

2021 CFP National Championship Betting Trends

OSU are 13-7 ATS in their last 20 games.
OSU State are 7-0 SU in their last 7 games.
Total went OVER in 4 of OSU’s last 5 games.
Alabama Crimson Tide are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
Alabama Crimson Tide are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games.
Total went OVER in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games played on a Monday.

Alabama vs Ohio State 2021 CFP National Championship Expert Pick

It seems the Buckeyes is the safer choice. Their stats are pretty good to leave them aside. They’ve been underdogs by a touchdown or more during the season, as they are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games. It will be a tight game for sure, but don’t give to much hope for the Crimson Side, as they’ve struggled to cover this season.