The stage is set, and the anticipation is building for a rematch that will determine who wins the next College Football Playoff National Championship. Alabama or Clemson?
Alabama, winners of 14 straight games, will face off against Clemson, winners of the Atlantic Coast Conference and Fiesta Bowl, in Tampa, Florida. For the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Both teams looked impressive in their semifinal games.
The Crimson Tide took care of business against Washington, capitalizing on turnovers by the Huskies. This game was close coming out of the first quarter, but from then Alabama took control of the game. The Bama Defense managed to create turnovers, like they have all season, even converting an interception for a touchdown in the first half. The Crimson Tide continues their undefeated season as they beat Washington 24 – 7.
The Clemson Tigers might have easily put on the best performance of bowl season. The Tigers went in as an underdog for many in the Fiesta Bowl, but came out as the better team that could compete against this unstoppable Alabama team. Clemson kept Ohio State under 250 yards of total offense and zero points. The Tigers also managed to create three turnovers, and keep Buckeyes QB J.T. Barret in check limiting him to minus yards rushing. Clemson is riding a wave of momentum and confidence, that they will surely need in order to beat the Crimson Tide.
If that isn’t motivation enough, then the lingering feeling of losing to Alabama in last year’s national championship game, is going to light a fire under Dabo Swinney's squad.
So who has the upper hand? Who’s got what it takes to capture this year's National Championship?
Geographically, location seems to be a non factor, both schools are located relatively close to Tampa. As far as both teams go, I think this game is going to be like last year’s championship. The one Alabama won by 5 points.
Although on Monday, I believe you’re going to see the Clemson Tigers pull out the victory, and avenge their loss from last year.
Clemson is just on a huge roll both offensively and defensively. Alabama's offense is struggling throwing the ball, and they relied heavily on the run game in Saturdays playoff game. Clemson virtually took the run game away, from the OSU offense, in their semifinal game; that's is a good matchup to keep an eye on. Tigers QB Deshaun Watson is probably the best quarterback the tide has faced all season, the same goes for Watson though, this is easily the best defense he has faced. He hasn't faced a defense like this, but Ohio State was ranked 4th in total defense, and we know what happened there. It’ll be interesting if he can keep the same production in this game, and end his career on a high note.
Don’t count Bama out though, time and time again they always find a way to win. Watson did throw two interception against OSU, something he cannot do against this Crimson Tide defense, because it could hurt his team. Even if turnovers are committed I don’t think the tide offense can get it done, especially on how well the Clemson defense is playing.
Keep an eye on the Crimson Tide offense, Lane Kiffin is officially out as offensive coordinator, leaving Steve Sarkisian to take over as OC. Look to see if Sarkisian does anything different to change up this offense for the championship game.
I expect a good game similar to last years, possibly a game in the 30’s point-wise. I won’t be surprised if the Clemson offense is able to score points and break this game wide open.
It is sad to see the college football season end, but as a fan of the sport, the two best teams are playing for the national championship and that is exciting to watch.
Catch the game on ESPN, at 8:00PM Est.
Alabama or Clemson? Who Win's? We'll find out soon enough.
