Sugar Bowl notebook

NEW ORLEANS — Buckeye Nation: Ohio State had plenty of fans in the Superdome Thursday night, although it was had to tell with both fan bases wearing similar shades of red. The scarlet certainly held its own against a crimson contingent that was equipped with pom-poms. Also, during the Ohio State band’s pre-game routine, the members performed dueling script Ohios.

Price is right: Austintown Fitch graduate Billy Price did a nice job creating a running hole for Ezekiel Elliott’s second-quarter touchdown. Buckeyes starting center, Jacoby Boren, limped off the field the previous play and Pat Elfelin moved over from his right guard position to play center. He and Price were the two to open a hole for Elliott, who finished the game with 230 yards on 20 carries.

Bayou Boot: Alabama punter JK Scott had one of the best games kicking the ball I’ve ever seen. He averaged 55.0 yards per punt on seven punts, with a long of 73 yard. He kicked five inside the 20-yard line and have five go 50-plus yards. Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston didn’t have too shabby of a night himself. His first three punts traveled a distance of 164 yards for an average of 54.7 yards. That was until a 22-yard punt from inside his own end zone. With how good both teams have been all season, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that both have fantastic special teams units.

Third time’s a charm: Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones was an impressive 10-for-18 on third down. He started the game 9-of-13 in the first three quarters, but couldn’t keep it going late in the game. Many of his third down conversions were of the lengthy variety, as Jones was able to show off his impressive arm strength on deep balls to Jalin Marshall and Devin Smith. On the contrary, Alabama was a dismal 2-of-13 on third downs.