Alabama is aiming for a fourth national championship in seven seasons under coach Nick Saban. After the way the Crimson Tide mauled Michigan State in a College Football Playoff semifinal, oddsmakers have installed Alabama as a touchdown favorite over undefeated Clemson.
While Alabama looked unbeatable New Year’s Eve, Clemson has a chance to pull the upset if it hits on a few checklist items provided by four SEC coaches who talked on the condition they would not be identified.
1. Contain running back Derrick Henry.
Henry, the Heisman Trophy winner, became the first SEC back to exceed 2,000 rushing yards in a season.