Alabama and Ohio State have been part of ruling class for the past 50 years, but there is one big difference between the two powerhouse programs — when Alabama has a chance to take home the title, it has been able to capitalize at a high rate. The Buckeyes? Not so much.
Below is a list of the 11 programs that have recorded at least 10 AP top five finishes in the past 50 years, sorted by national titles won. You’ll see Alabama easily at the top of the list, and the Buckeyes near the bottom despite an eye-popping 20 top five seasons (second only to Oklahoma).
The point is not to diminish Ohio State’s domination within the sport. Instead, the analysis demonstrates not only the difficulty in winning a national championship, but just how rare these moments can be, even for the bluebloods. Ohio State brings to the field Monday some other-worldly talent and a nearly unparalleled pedigree of winning. But there will be pressure to bring home another elusive trophy to multiple generations in a fan base that has experienced the ultimate win very few times.
The ultimate win in this year’s picks race belongs to yours truly, who outdistanced out guest pickers among the Rivals publishers and Rivals analysts. My four-year total sits at 182-155-2 and plus $1,140 with four over .500 seasons (but a losing money season in Year 2). Joining me this week are Kevin Noon from BuckeyeGrove.com, Andrew Bone from BamaInsider.com (for obvious reasons) and the big man here at Rivals, Mike Farrell, who will all offer their insights.
Off we go.
Spread is from Covers.com
No. 1 Alabama (-8) vs. No. 3 Ohio State at Miami, 8 p.m., ESPN
TROCCHI: I've felt this Alabama team compares very favorably to the LSU juggernaut of last season, and those Tigers finished the deal in the final game. Late in the third quarter last year, it was still a three-point game before LSU put some distance between itself and Clemson, and I can see Alabama following the same script. Ohio State as an underdog is dangerous, but Bama has too much firepower. ALABAMA, $100
NOON: There are a lot of reasons why the pick here should be Alabama: a Heisman winner, a couple of Heisman runner-ups, a team that has been here before year-in and year-out. Plus, the Buckeyes will be dealing with yet another COVID outbreak that will severely cut into a position group of need. But Ohio State was not supposed to get past Clemson either, is incredible as an underdog since 2012 (money line, not just covering) and it just feels like this team is destined for big things. The Buckeyes win a shootout. OHIO STATE
BONE: There will be plenty of fireworks Monday night with two high-powered offenses on display. Expect a lot of points in this game, which may resemble the the 2016 National Championship between Alabama and Clemson with a final score of 45-40. Alabama seems like it has the defense to get a few more stops than Ohio State. ALABAMA
FARRELL: I have Alabama covering the eight points but it won’t be a blowout. The Buckeyes will make this a tough game and it will come down to a late mistake by Ohio State that allows Alabama to make it a two-score game and put it away. ALABAMA
Season Standings
Trocchi: 45-34-1, plus $650
Publishers: 40-39-1
Analysts: 32-47-1
When there is a unanimous pick: 12-11-1
