re: Notre Dame's defense/special teams: A detailed look

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We'll just agree to disagree on those positions. Setting aside the ones you say are debatable and giving you the DL as you claim, that means you would agree that Bama is superior in 5 of the 6 areas of the game. Not sure you ever indicated, but I take it you think Bama is going to win the game too then?

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No, because it's not that simple. You're comparing the same units, not units against each other. The OL never goes against the other team's OL, they go against the opposite DL. And it doesn't take into account specific matchups. And finally, not all position groups are equal. The performance of the DL is probably more important than the performance of the RBs, for example.

Do I think the Bama OL is greater than the ND OL? Yes (but ND's is also good). I also think the ND front 7 is better than Bama's (but Bama's is also good). And again, they don't play against each other. Which group is more likely to have success against the other? I think both defenses will be able to have success against the run, but think ND will have more. Is Bama's secondary better than ND's? Yes, but ND's is also good and the gap is close, and if ND can stop the run, Bama won't have success in the air, because the ND safeties will play deep. Even if McCarron is traditionally "better" than Golson, which I agree he is, Bama's sole loss came against a QB that could run. Golson provides that threat, McCarron does not. And of course you add the underdog mindset from ND. There are so many factors beyond just saying Bama has more position units better than ND, that means they'll win.