Notre Dame Football Hot and Cold Takes for Alabama: Playoff Edition

So.....Let’s Do This.

So, Alabama is favored by a ton. Their offense is “unbeatable”, their D line is full of dogs, and they have a fully certified psycho (compliment) at the helm in our old friend Nick Saban. Every single thing is pointing to a Notre Dame blowout including every expert pick. Do I agree with them? Pretty much. Do I think Notre Dame has a shot in this game though? Abso-freaking-lutely. Crazier things have happened, but it will take some very specific things to go right for ND to have a chance....

1. Win the turnover battle, preferably by 2
2. Score touchdowns in the red zone
3. Explosive plays
4. Ian Book has to have elite pocket presence

Do ³⁄₄ of these things and I think ND has a real shot. Red zone offense being the most critical, personally. You can’t beat Saban with field goals.

Anyway, let’s get to some Takes for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and HOPE we get to do this again next week.

Cold Take

Braden Lenzy Has An Explosive Touchdown

Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly brought up Braden Lenzy voluntarily in his press conference today, which is no accident. He has CLEARLY been banged up all year, but is seemingly healthy heading into the final stretch here. First off.....Lenzy is a guy I love so I am definitely showing my bias here. Lenzy has had a frustrating season hampered by a lingering hamstring injury. He is one of the most electric playmakers with the ball in his hand, and I think he finally breaks through this week with a couple of big plays. I think we see this in the form of a jet sweep or a screen in which Javon McKinley and or Ben Skowronek makes a key block and he just takes it to the house. He won’t be the first, second, or even third main part of this game plan, but he will take advantage of an opportunity. Notre Dame desperately needs a big play and I think it comes from one of the fastest players in college football. Go full Super Saiyan, turn on the jets, and let’s see that boy Lenzy run.

Hot Take

Ian Book Accounts for 5 Touchdowns

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

To put this lightly, I think this has to happen for Notre Dame to have a chance. Ian Book has to play at the same level, if not greater than he played against Clemson round 1 and North Carolina. He needs to be calm in the pocket, run when it is there, and hit some big throws. He will need some help for Kyren Williams picking up blitzes, and his receivers winning more 50/50 balls than losing them. This game will go as Book goes....Alabama will score.....a lot....and the biggest question is can Book keep up? He is also playing for a lot here. A great game by Book on the biggest stage could prove monumental in the upcoming NFL draft. 2 wins against #1 teams where you were the reason? Not too shabby. It is a long shot, but Book has the ability to win this game. Crazier things have happened......so LET’S DO THIS YA’LL AND I HOPE AND PRAY I GET TO WRITE THIS ARTICLE NEXT WEEK.

Your Takes: Please leave your takes below (hot, cold medium-any temp). I will feature the Top Takes next week. GO IRISH!