Rose Bowl Game 2020 – #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Our Notre Dame vs Alabama pick 2020 for the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One is the first of two semifinal bowl games being played on New Year’s Day. The second semifinal contest, which is between #3 Ohio State and #2 Clemson, is at 8:00 pm ET. That game is being played in the in the Sugar Bowl. The winners of these two games will play one another in the CFP National Championship game which will be played on January 11, 2021.

This season, rather than being a FBS Independent, the #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish played in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They topped the conference with a 9-0 record. Overall, the Irish were 10-1. The #1 Alabama Crimson Tide finished atop the SEC -West and then beat the Florida Gators 52-46 in the conference championship game. The Tide posted a 10-0 SEC record and an overall mark of 11-0.

Odds and Venue

The Crimson Tide are the favorite at -20.0 (-105), while the Fighting Irish are the underdog at +20.0 (-105). The best over is 65.5 (-109) and under is 66.0 (-115).

The Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One will be played on Friday, January 1, 2021. The kickoff will be at 4:00 pm ET with the game being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The weather is predicted to be cloudy with a temperature of 44-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 4% and winds will be 12 MPH from the NW. However, the stadium has a retractable roof and weather should not be a factor.

Notre Dame vs Alabama Pick 2020 – Statistics

Our Notre Dame vs Alabama pick 2020 notes that both teams have very tough defenses. The Fighting Irish held opponents to 18.6 PPG, while the Crimson Tide permitted opponents 19.5 PPG. In terms of offense, the Tide generated 49.7 PPG. Notre Dame averaged 35.2 PPG. On offense, Alabama is generating over 450 YPG with 354 in passing. The Fighting Irish are averaging 455.2 YPG on offense with 237.5 in the air and 217.6 on the ground.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One – Offense and Defense

Both of these teams have top-notch offenses and exceptional defenses. However, we find that Alabama’s offense is exceptionally deep. Consequently, they offer the Crimson Tide a big advantage. Subsequently, the Crimson Tide are also better staffed on defense. Thus, we expect them to dominate this game, especially in the second half.

Fighting Irish and Crimson Tide – Offenses

Notre Dame QB Ian Book has thrown 15 TD passes and has rushed for eight more scores. He’s tossed just two picks and been sacked 23 times. Also, Book, who’s completed 64% of his passes, has thrown for 2,601 yards. WR Ben Skowronek tops the team with five scoring catches. RB Kyren Williams has rushed for 1,061 yards on 195 attempts, scoring a dozen touchdowns.

QB Mac Jones has thrown 32 TD passes and just four picks. Additionally, he’s thrown for 3,739 yards, completing 76.5% of his passes. He’s been sacked just 10 times. Along with Jones’ contributions, RB Najee Harris has provided a lot of offense. Consequently, he’s rushed for 1,262 yards and 24 TDs. DeVonta Smith is at the top of what is a loaded receiving unit. Smith has 98 receptions for 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Notre Dame vs Alabama Pick 2020 – Defenses

The Irish have accumulated 30 sacks, nine INTs, and 48 PD. Plus, they’ve forced nine fumbles and recovered 10. Primary performers in DL Adetokunbo Ogundeji with 6.5 sacks, safety Kyle Hamilton with 45 solo tackles and six PD, and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with 55 total tackles, three forced fumbles and two recovered.

The Tide come to this contest with 33 sacks, 11 INTs, and 55 PD. They’ve grabbed three pick six and have forced 14 fumbles and recovered 10. LB Christian Harris leads Alabama in solo tackles with 48. He also has 68 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. LB Will Anderson Jr. has accumukated seven sacks and DL Christian Barmore has made six. DB Malachi Moore has grabbed six picks and defended three passes. DBs Josh Jobe and Patrick Surtain II come to this game with 11 and 10 PD respectively.

Notre Dame vs Alabama Pick 2020 – Final Word

Our Notre Dame vs Alabama pick 2020 is going with the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide. On both sides of the ball, they are loaded with premium weapons. Consequently, look for them to turn it on by the second half and pul away in this game. Additionally, we are expecting a lot of scoring in this contest. Go with the over at 65.5 (-109). For another take on this game, see Ryan’s Rose Bowl spread pick.

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Capital One 2020 – Summary

Point Spread – Alabama Crimson Tide at -20.0 (-105)
Totals – Over 65.5 (-109)