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CFP player prop bets: Can Alabama slow down Justin Fields?

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Monday's national championship game between Ohio State and Alabama should be a good one for those seeking player prop bets. The clash features two high-octane offenses and a gaudy total of 75.5.

We scanned the board and found the best value bets for the final game of the season.

Jeremy Ruckert over 2.5 catches

Ruckert's been underutilized this season, but that's what happens when you share the field with wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, as well as a stable of running backs. Ruckert had only nine catches, 60 yards, and three touchdowns entering the semifinal before erupting for 55 yards on three receptions and two scores.

Ruckert should stay hot - the Crimson Tide are stout out wide, but their inexperience in the slot has shown this year.

Here's how some of the best tight ends have fared against Alabama this season.

Team Player Catches Yards TDs
Notre Dame Matt Meyer 7 62 0
Florida Kyle Pitts 7 129 1
Ole Miss Kenny Yeboah 7 182 2
Texas A&M Jalen Wydermyer 8 82 0

The 6-foot-5 Ruckert is a mismatch and should have his fingerprints all over the offensive game plan.

Justin Fields under 2.5 passing touchdowns

Fields has been held to two or fewer touchdown passes in three of his last four. He's also a bit banged-up after taking a jarring hit against Clemson, so it remains to be seen just long of a leash Ohio State gives its dual-threat star.

Alabama's only allowed two quarterbacks to post more than two passing touchdowns in a game this season, and just one in its previous 10.

Mac Jones over 26.5 completions

This number feels somewhat inflated. As dangerous as Jones is in the pocket for the Crimson Tide, he's only surpassed this number twice this season. Alabama's quick-strike ability can suppress completions, especially if someone like DeVonta Smith or John Metchie gets loose; after all, those two both average more than 17.7 yards per completion for the nation's top-scoring offense.

However, I like how Ohio State's run defense matches up against Alabama's offensive line and running back Najee Harris. Even when opponents tried to rush against the Buckeyes, they couldn't; Ohio State allowed 3.2 yards per attempt, good for No. 10 in the country.

The Tide will likely utilize Jones through the air to keep the chains moving as they did in shootouts against Florida and Ole Miss this season.

Ohio State doesn't have the straight-line speed to be running with Alabama's receivers all night. Expect some soft zone in the defensive backfield, which should ultimately lead to a boatload of completions for Jones.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.

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