Tonight is the Super Bowl of college football. Despite winning seventeen games in a row which includes last season, the Clemson Tigers are considered underdogs. That is the type of dominance Alabama has established under head coach Nick Saban. It is very hard to bet against Saban especially in big games like this one.
Remember when “Clemsoning” was a verb that meant to lose in the most unbelievable fashion? Now it means playing in a national championship game after an undefeated season. The Tigers last perfect season was in 1981. Behind head coach Dabo Swinney and his slogan “B.Y.O.G.”, bring your own guts, respect has finally returned back to the program. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has had a phenomenal season for the Tigers. Watson threw for 3,699 yards and 31 touchdowns. He is also capable of keeping the ball himself and making plays happen, rushing for 1,000 yards and scoring an additional 12 touchdowns. Alabama’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain Watson and force him to throw the ball. The Tigers are capable of running many different plays and can control the tempo of a game if the defense takes their foot off the pedal.
Alabama has always sat far above every other college football program. The school has three national titles since 2009. Nick Saban has a formula for success, assemble a stellar defense, a power running back, and a quarterback who does not turn the ball over. Reigning Heisman winner running back Derrick Henry propels the Alabama offense. Nine times this season he has rushed for over 100 yards and has scored 25 touchdowns. Clemson has a strong defense, but their weakness is rushing defense; something Saban will likely take advantage of and continue to feed Henry. After losing Amari Cooper last season to the draft, Alabama has another stud receiver in Calvin Ridley. Despite quarterback Jake Coker throwing for just 2,775 passing yards, Ridley finished with 1,031 yards on the season. Coker will definitely look to his play-making receiver in this game, but Clemson’s corners have been stellar all season. He will have to look for missed assignments from the Clemson defensive backs if he wants to establish a passing game.
Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander will be a game-time decision. Everyone is ready to hand the title to the Crimson Tide, however, the Tigers look ready for the challenge of dethroning the “kings of the SEC”.
