I hate it when pundits analyze a game by stacking like positions against one another... A QB v. QB matchup never occurs in the game, nor does RB v. RB, OL v. OL, etc. So it doesn't matter [for example] if your defensive line is better than my defensive line. What matters is whether your defensive line is better than my offensive line, and vice versa...
The "mostly untested" headline also reeks of laziness and/or poor research. So splitting games with the #2 team in the nation and smothering one of the top 5 offenses in the country constitutes "mostly untested"? Um, okay...
Alabama clearly has an advantage in raw talent and coaching in this game. Both teams will miss their starting centers—question is who will take advantage of that weakness in the other teams' offensive front. ND needs to bring pressure early and often in the hopes of finding some way to rattle Jones and minimize the damage he can do targeting Smith downfield. Most importantly, we need to see the version of Ian Book from the first Clemson game—the one who is willing to take chances with his throws and trust his receivers to make plays. If he holds onto the ball too long again, it will be a long day for the Irish...
All indications point to this being a tough hill for ND to climb, but that's why they play the games. I think we see a much better Irish performance than we did in the ACC championship, making for a competitive game. The question is whether the Irish can put together enough strong performances on both sides of the ball to pull the upset. Were I a betting man, I'd take the points—but I wouldn't put money on ND in a straight up bet to win.