College National Championship Pick: Tigers get their Revenge
On Monday January 9th the winners of the Fiesta Bowl (Clemson) and the Peach Bowl (Alabama) square off in a rematch of last year’s National Championship. Two teams that won their respective bowl games in dominating fashion have many different strengths that should lead to a great game.
#3 Clemson vs #1 Alabama 8:00 pm on ESPN
As I said before, these two teams have different strengths and reasons to their success this season that has led them to this point.
Coaching: Two of the best recruiters in the country with historically great programs, but Alabama has the clear edge, Saban is a defensive genius and no matter what task they have faced this year they have responded. The only problem I think could play a large factor in Monday’s game is the absence of Alabama’s offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. He had accepted a coaching job at FAU before their game against Washington and him and Saban mutually decided he should not coach in the championship game. This makes a difference because he is proven as one of the great play callers in College Football.
Offense: Offensively Clemson is hard to beat, their running game is inconsistent, but their receiving core led by Mike Williams constantly beat defensive backs and win 50/50 jump balls with a great quarterback in Deshaun Watson throwing to them. Alabama’s offense was seemed to be stagnant at times against a mediocre Washington defense, but their running backs stepped up when they needed them, which is all they need to beat teams.
Defensive: Alabama is a clear superior to Clemson. Their ability to make game changing plays seemingly every time they take the field is amazing. Clemson’s defense, as long as they contain Jalen Hurts and force some turnovers of their own, they can win.
Overall it’s going to come down to Clemson’s run defense against Alabama’s running game, the absence of Kiffin can prevent Alabama from making big plays on offense, and I think Watson will focus on not turning the ball over to get the victory.
Clemson takes the title and gets revenge 42-36 in OT
