CFP CHAMPIONSHIP: Buckeyes defense ready for another challenge
Ohio State takes on Alabama in the College Football Playoff national championship Monday in Miami Gardens. (Jonathan Bachman)
By GRAHAM DUNN
Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade has not played against Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
At least, not since high school when the two were paired in a 7-on-7 camp.
But he knows plenty about the Heisman finalist.
“(He’s) my guy,” Wade said with a grin. “I mean, not playing against him, but playing with him 7-on-7 in high school, it's just a blessing in disguise both of the places that we chose. And just us playing against each other in this game, it is a blessing.
“I've been knowing Mac for a long time, Money Making Mac, that's what we called him. He is a confident guy in just how he is. He's a hard worker and great quarterback, and really looking forward to playing against him this week.”
Wade and the OSU defense will attempt to do what no other unit has done so far this season – slow the Alabama offense.
“This is a great offense. It is a complete offense,” OSU defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs. “There are now five All-Americans on the offensive side of the ball and a Heisman Trophy winner and the runner-up. They have great players, but they also have a great scheme and they understand how to attack defenses. People have tried numerous different things against them, and they always have an answer.
“I think their kids play hard. I think they play physical. They run the ball well. They throw the ball obviously extremely well. They have great skill.”
Entering the College Football Playoff, there was a question mark on the Buckeyes, whether they could slow a juggernaut offense. First, Clemson was the challenger and OSU proved to be more than up for the challenge, holding the Tigers to 44 yards rushing, forced three fumbles (and recovering one) and an interception.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence had 400 yards passing but was under duress most of the night. He suffered a couple of sacks and the interception.
But none of the Buckeyes were discussing the last game in this week’s championship Media Day event, only the Tide.
“They've always had great players,” Coombs said regarding the last time the Buckeyes met Alabama in 2014. “They had Amari Cooper then, so that's the Alabama way. They've always been physical. That's the Nick Saban way.
“Those things don't change. But the evolution of the passing game and the passing attack and the variety of things that they do offensively is exceptional. You know, Coach Sarkisian has done a great job of challenging the defense on every single play.”
Coombs was asked about the possibility of Jaylen Waddle returning to Alabama’s offense. He expects to see No. 17 on the field.
“I think you absolutely have to prepare like he's going to play, and I would promise you that he's an extraordinary athlete, extraordinary receiver,” he said. “He played five games, and you watch the tape and he's a special player. My hats off to him. If he's been able to recover and rehab and all those kind of things, I think those stories are great for college football.”
One thing the defensive players were avoiding on Wednesday – any bulletin board material.
“Really all I care about is winning the game,” Wade said, “and if we win by one point, that's all I care about. That's all I care about is just winning by one point at the end of the day and just getting this National Championship.”