The national championship matchup for college football is finally here, and it’s the young and fast Clemson Tigers against the experienced and strong Crimson Tide of Alabama.
No need to look any further for a preview of the game, because we have everything you need to know about the biggest game of the year in college football.
Alabama vs Clemson
College Football Playoff Championship
January 11
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
ESPN – 8:30 p.m.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide made quick work of the Michigan State Spartans in the semi-final matchup, but not in the fashion most people expected. Heisman winner Derrick Henry was held largely ineffective outside of the red zone, and averaged less than four yards a carry. However, quarterback Jake Coker shredded the MSU defense to the tune of 286 yards and two touchdowns. The Michigan State secondary was absolutely no matchup for Alabama’s offense despite the fact that their front seven were able to bring pressure at times on Coker. Coker is a solid quarterback, but Thursday’s performance against MSU is the rarity and not the norm for the former Florida State backup. In order for Alabama to beat a very deep and talented Clemson team they will need Henry to play better than he did against Michigan State. Coker doesn’t need to replicate his heroic performance, but he will need to be solid.
Clemson: Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson has led the undefeated Clemson Tigers all year long, and his offense absolutely thrashed Oklahoma’s defense. Watson had more than 300 combined yards between passing and rushing, and running back Wayne Gallman chipped in another 150 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Clemson’s greatest asset is the quarterback play of Watson, and his speed allows him to make plays with his feet when the pocket collapses. Combine that fact with the receivers Clemson has on the outside and it’s not a mystery why the Tigers have defeated so many great teams this year. Alabama historically struggles with mobile quarterbacks combined with athletic receivers. Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel both defeated stout Alabama defenses with that formula, and Watson is the same caliber as both of them. Clemson needs to get Watson on the move with the option, bootlegs, rollouts and hope the Alabama defensive ends don’t stay home. (RELATED: Watch Clemson Celebrate Punching A Ticket To The National Championship)
Prediction: This game is a match-up between two very different teams. Alabama is built on strength and Clemson is built on speed. If Henry gets going and Coker is solid then it’s likely Alabama can do enough to win. However, if the Alabama defense can’t contain Watson on the edges it could get ugly very quickly for the Crimson Tide. Expect this to be a game that could go either way and come down to the final possession.