Alabama's defense is great, but it's not infallible. Going up against Lincoln Riley and Kyler Murray is going to be a tough test for the Tide, but I think it's one they ultimately pass by the time all is said and done. A final score along the lines of 47-30 sounds about right for this one with the Tide pulling away late and being able to somewhat slow down the Sooners in the second half. This is a tough one, but we usually see blowouts in these semifinals, so let's stay on trend.

ORANGE BOWL -- Grab the value on the Sooners as the year-after-year Alabama playoff success has inflated the number.

ORANGE BOWL -- I absolutely love the matchup between the Alabama defensive front and the stout Oklahoma offensive line. In a game in which just a few defensive stops could decide the game, my money is on Quinnen Williams and Co. doing enough to stop the Kyler Murray show at least a couple of times. At that point, it's all she wrote. Oklahoma's defense isn't going to stop the Tide.

Alabama's QB will be fired up and the Tide's defense is superior. Oklahoma's defense isn't all that great and you don't often get Nick Saban laying two touchdowns or less. I'm on the Tide to win big.

ORANGE BOWL -- One of the things that Oklahoma does extremely well that is needed to beat Alabama is throw the ball downfield. The Sooners won't be afraid to test that Crimson Tide secondary at all in this matchup. The real key and test for the Sooners will be on the defensive side of the ball. Will they be able to find consistent success along the line of scrimmage and disrupt the timing of the Alabama passing game? Also, can they stop the run? Those will prove to be a lot easier said than done in this one.

ORANGE BOWL -- Yes, these are the two most prolific scoring offenses in the land. But with one defense -- good guess: Alabama -- the fourth stingiest for points allowed, no way this through-the-roof total is justified. Two Crimson Tide games in the low 70s this season wound up Under, one by a substantial margin. Two less-than-fit stars add to the appeal. Bama QB Tua Tagovailoa underwent recent ankle surgery and has been plagued by a balky knee. WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma’s chief pass-catcher, is questionable with a leg injury. Go Under.

ORANGE BOWL -- It's a battle of the perennial title contender versus what might be the greatest offense in college history. I have expressed plenty of doubts about Oklahoma's ability to beat elite teams due to its porous defense, but its offense is remarkable, and I think this line is a bit overstated due to the public perception of how bad the defense is. I don't think Oklahoma pulls off the upset, but it's offense is too good not to cover two touchdowns.