Alabama has the best defense in college football, ranked number one, going up against a Clemson team with a top ranked offense. Alabama’s coach Nick Saban spoke to the Associated Press saying ”Last year we sort of just participated in the game. This year, we really wanted to make a statement and do something special.”
With an imposing defensive frontline and a Heisman Trophy winner in running back Derrick Henry, this could mean another championship trophy for the Crimson Tide. With the teams only loss coming from Ole Miss by six points, the team has beaten opponents by a whopping near 20 point deferential. They are now going up against an offense who averages 512 yards per game. With a defensive front who has a habit of pressuring the quarterback, the Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson will have to make the right decisions when the pressure comes. All signs point towards the Crimson Tides favor but who can blame them when you have a solid offense and a defense who can make plays. In order to win the game, Alabama while have to stop the run and have the Tigers throw the ball, which has improved since the start of the season.
For Clemson this is the toughest opponent the team has faced. The Tigers haven’t faced Alabama since 2008, where ‘Bama won 34 – 10. They have not had the “luxury” of facing with a team that can stop your scoring attack. In order to stay in the game, coach Dabo Swinney while have to rev up its offense, expecially its running attack. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been explosive for the team while passing for 3513 yards but also running for 887 yards. Watson while have to challenge his running game against Crimson Tide defensive front in order to control the game. The same can be said for running back Wayne Gallman, who leads the team with 1332. Both players will have establish a running game in order to secure a win. If the yards start pilling up on the run, this will allow the team more breathing room to throw it down the field
After seeing Michigan State get manhandled in the Cotton Bowl 38 – 0, I believe completely that Alabama will come out with a win. Not to discredit Clemson and their accomplishments, they are undefeated after all, they have settled their games by 10 points or less. This game is shaping up to be showcase for defense, and that doesnt bode well for the Tigers offense.
Prediction:
Roll Tide controls the game with solid defense while limiting Clemson’s Deshaun Watson’s playmaking ability.
Score: Alabama 31 – Clemson 13
The CFP Championship game is on tonight on ESPN at 7:30pm CST!
