re: How does Ohio State match up with Alabama?

Offensive Line. Awesome. OSU leads the nation in YPC, 3rd in rushing, and doesn't give up alot of sacks (part of that is due to Braxton)

Runningback. Carlos Hyde is a beast and Kiper/McShay have him as the best senior RB and 2nd round grade. Speed, Power, size, and vision. Hes got it all. Combine that with some other decent RBs, one of the strongest corps in america

QB. Braxton has been pretty outstanding this year when he's played, save for 1 bad game against NW after coming off a MCL injury. Completing 68% of his passes, majority of the season hes been above 70% but bad weather conditions last 2 games have deflated that number a bit. Best running QB in CFB too when he's 100%.

WR. OSU has a good deep threat in Devin Smith. 6'1 200. Runs a 4.3 40, and a 10.3 100m (runs track for OSU as well) hes a big play guy averaging over 20 yards a catch this season

Corey Brown is a very shifty/quick slot receiver, good burst, reliable hands. Great route runner. Also a dangerous punt returner

Dontre Wilson is the x-factor. He's very similar to Percy Harvin, not as big and strong yet but very talented. Seniors say he'll be one of the best ever at OSU eventually

OSU's offense is top 5 in points per game, and top 10 in yardage.

Dline is the best part of the defense. OSU is top 10 nationally in sacks and TFL. Noah Spence is a former top 5 player in HS and has been a terrific pass rusher this season. 2nd in the Big10 in sacks and TFL. Great depth and talent at every position but hes a standout.

Linebackers. Not alot of depth but decent overall. Very good in the run game. Shazier is a beast and can play anywhere in the midfield. Extremely fast for a linebacker. Him and Von Miller are similar college players, hes just not as big. Other 2 are decent but not elite like Shazier

Secondary. Was bad the beginning of the season but has improved a bunch. Defensive zone scheme was a big part of the problem but they've gotten better now. Roby will be a 1st round pick, all-american last year but was slowed down beginning of the year with a back injury. Has played awesome since being healthy. Doran Grant is another highly ranked HS kid and has been great all year. Missing senior safety Christian Bryant due to injury but his backup has been adequate. Senior FS CJ Barnett looks like a 1st team all-conference player this year

OSU is #12 overall in defense, #10 in points allowed, and #6 in rush defense

Special Teams, this is where I think OSU has a distinic advantage (besides the return game for Bama-C. Jones) Punter Johnston is top 5 in the nation in every category. Senior kicker Basil is one of the best in school history. Punt/kick coverage has been terrific all year long.

All in all, I think OSU could give Bama a challenge if they brought their A game. They have alot of talent at most positions.

OSU is alot different since Florida and LSU. Upgraded team speed and depth. The Oline/Dline is the biggest difference though.