2019 NC Game 44-16 Clemson over Alabama
2020 NC Game 42 - 25 LSU over Clemson
2021 NC Game 52 - 24 Alabama over Ohio State
I don't disagree that you have to have a good defense, but it doesn't have to look like Georgia's or Alabama's.
Past tells us you do have to be "Elite" on one side of the ball and good on the other.
This year you had an Elite defense and a decent offense win the National Championship.
You have to also put into consideration that when Alabama's offense was humming during the SEC Championship game with both WR's in play it made that D look average, and Georgia's less than stellar offense folded under the pressure.
Personally, I think the Offensive Coordinator lost that game for Bama.