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Sugar Bowl Draft Prospects to Watch

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Alabama Crimson Tide vs Ohio State Buckeyes

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be looking to once again show their dominance as they make their run to yet another National Championship. Ohio State is trying to show the world that they belong despite feeding on a very weak Big Ten conference schedule. Much like the Rose Bowl this game is full of top tier NFL Draft talent.

Offense

Alabama has one of the best wide receivers in college football this season with Amari Cooper and he could make a push to be a top five pick come May. Cooper is very elusive in the open field and can be a real game breaker at any point with the ball in his hand. He has the speed to run by any corner playing off the line and he is physical enough to beat press man. Cooper is also very underrated as a blocker. Shows a competitive fire when blocking.

T.J. Yeldon is the next Alabama running back that will make the jump to the NFL but unlike the previous backs he is a little taller and leaner than they were. He isn't the power back that Eddie Lacey was but Yeldon is deceptively quick. He shows his quickness to the hole and has great vision when looking for the cutback. Blake Sims and Arie Kouandjio are also looking to make a statement today.

The Buckeyes will be under immense pressure to perform against the Crimson Tide's defense. Jeff Heuerman is their top rated offensive prospect and he will need to become the young quarterbacks security blanket to keep the pressure on Alabama.

As far as other offensive options Devin Smith, Evan Spencer and Rod Smith will be looking like undrafted free agents if they want to play in the NFL. Smith could be an impact today if Ohio State can keep their young quarterback upright. It will be a tall task for the Big Ten champs.

Defense

Once again the Crimson Tide have one of the top safety prospects in college football with Landon Collins. Collins seemed to have struggled as of late but he will still be a top many boards. He is a good cover guy after moving over from the cornerback position. He will be key versus tight end Jeff Heuerman who is a big target at 6'5". Look for Collins to play big against the third quarterback for the Buckeyes.

Brandon Ivory and Trey Depriest will need to play big on the interior for Alabama. The best way to make a young quarterback uncomfortable is pressure right up the middle. Ohio State doesn't have a top tier prospect on the offensive line and they will be challenged today.

Unfortunately Noah Spence won't be playing because he was ruled ineligible for the Big Ten which doesn't bode well for him moving forward. Michael Bennett however will be a high regarded player at the next level. Bennett has a great motor and doesn't give up on plays. He will be needed to try and keep Yeldon in check running the ball.

Doran Grant is a mid round guy that had to replace Bradley Robey in 2014. He will at times draw the matchup against Cooper. He isn't as consistent as you would like to see but a big game could give him some momentum moving forward. He isn't the big corner that the NFL has recently fell in love with but he isn't a small corner either. Inside linebacker Curtis Grant is another Buckeye to watch in this game.

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