"Alabama vs. Mich St. Preview"

Alabama (12-1) is back in the CFP after being ousted by Ohio State in a game many claimed that was dominated by the Buckeyes. Now, Saban and co. are back to wash that sour taste out of their mouth and get another crack at a BIG Ten team in Michigan State (12-1). Mark Dantonio and Sparty needed the arm extension of running back L.J. Scott’s game winning touchdown by plunging from a yard out to seal a 16-13 BIG Ten Championship win over then undefeated Iowa.

Expect Alabama’s offense to lean heavily on Heisman Trophy winning running back Derrick Henry. Henry fell a first down away from 2,000 yards which would’ve made him the only running back in SEC history to do so. Besides Henry, the game may fall on the shoulders of Quarterback Jake Coker. Coker transferred from FSU last year and Coker was the back-up for Blake Sims. Coker lately has been getting into rhythm with wide-out Calvin Ridley. These two will be vital to help stretch the field against the stingy Spartans defense.

Michigan State has the edge when it comes to QB play. Connor Cook is the Spartans all-time leader in wins. Cook came back to East Lansing for this very reason. But coming into this game Spartan Nation has one question on their minds? Is that shoulder of Connor’s healed? In the Big Ten title game against a stingy Iowa defense, Cook looked a little off on throws he would normally connect on. Michigan State will look to slow down the vending machine on legs that is Heisman winner Henry.

Game Breakdown: As I mentioned above Bama has been playing lights out since their September loss to Ole Miss and has been on a mission ever since. If their defense shows the same intensity and legit execution they have down the stretch the matchup clearly sways in Bama’s favor. Michigan State will look to become the second BIG Ten team to knockout Bama in as many years. Michigan State will need to do something that has not been done all year and that is somebody stonewalling Henry. If Sparty can stop Henry and limit the big plays down field Sparty has a great chance for an upset. To me Bama’s defense will be too much for Cook and Co. and will eventually put the defense in a hole with field position and time possession.

Final Score Prediction: Alabama 31 Michigan State 16