College Football
CFP National Championship Preview: Clemson vs Alabama
Clemson vs Alabama. Some folks have been calling it since the beginning of the year but now it is official. Last year, Clemson lost to Alabama 24-6. The game was closer than the score indicates as it was 10-6 at halftime. However, in the second half, Alabama capitalized on two turnovers that ultimately sealed the game. This year, both teams show up to the game similar to last year except both offenses are explosive. Will Clemson get revenge or will Alabama add another trophy to their case? Here is your CFP National Championship preview.
Clemson O vs Alabama D
Alabama’s defense will face probably the best offense they’ve seen all season. The Clemson offense is young featuring true freshmen phenom Trevor Lawrence and sophomore star Travis Etienne. Don’t forget about their receiving corp featuring Justyn Ross, Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow, and other talented receivers. Clemson is averaging 44 points a game and 530 yards of total offense.
On the flip side, Alabama is probably the best defense Clemson will face this season. Alabama’s defense needs no introduction as it has been consistently good under Coach Saban seemingly forever. The Crimson Tide are only allowing 295 yards and 15 points a game on defense. However, I think last year’s Alabama defense was better. Georgia is probably the best offense Alabama has seen this year. The Bulldogs should have won and a short turn around to prep for this game like the SEC Championship gives Clemson a slight edge.
Edge: Slight Clemson
Clemson D vs Alabama O
Swap the colors and names and you have the same story. Clemson is one of the best defenses in college football. Alabama at times looks unstoppable on offense. Tua Tagovailoa got his big-time moment last season when he entered in the second half of the title game and hasn’t looked back. Alabama is averaging 48 points and 528 yards per game on offense.
However, like Alabama last year, this defense has a taste of revenge on the mind. Clemson is only allowing 277 yards and 14 points a game on defense this season. If the Clemson defense shows up as the Crimson Tide did last year, Clemson has the edge here. On the flip side, the question here is can Clemson’s secondary hold up against Tua and co. If Tua opens it up against the Tigers, I am not sure if Clemson can keep up in a shootout. Overall, I feel like both sides will get theirs.
Edge: Even
Who brings home the CFP National Championship?
Honestly, I’m looking forward to the Clemson vs Alabama round VI. If this game shapes up like the first two, we are all in for a great finale to the college football season. I don’t expect this game to emulate last year’s game. Clemson and Alabama both have different offensive philosophies entering the game this year. I think Clemson will enter this game hungrier than Alabama and the Tigers take home their third national title.
Clemson 35 Alabama 28
Photo credit to Nazrul Islam via Flickr.
