The journey comes to an end Monday night for the college football. It has been a special season Clemson but all that matters is what they do onm the field against Alabama. This is the classic matchup of really good offense vs really good defense. It poses the current program that sets the standard against the team wanting to be the elite program. It will be a hard nosed fight. Whoever wins reaches the pinnacle.
Clemson's Offense vs Alabama's Defense
This will be the best defense Clemson has faced. Bama's Dline is the best in the nation. The linebackers are led by projected top 15 NFL pick Reggie Ragland. The secondary is very good in coverage with safeties that have been converted from the cornerback position. Of all of Saban's defenses at Alabama, this is the best and one most geared to stop the spread. They have they side to side speed to a slow top notch offenses.
Deshaun Watson will have to continue to make good decisions. It will very difficult to run Monday night so it is vital he makes the right reads. Watson will have chances with the run game but expect a lot of screens and quick passes to negate the Alabama front seven. Tay Scott, Charone Peake, Ray Ray McCloud, and Hunter Renfrow can't falter when they have their chances. Also, Wayne Gallman will take a beating but his effort needs to continue to be a high level.
Alabama's Offense vs Clemson's Defense
The Alabama offense begins with the run game and Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. He been extremely good in the 2nd half of games and his offensive line is very strong. The running game has helped open up the play action pass for quarterback Jacob Coker. Receivers Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart are playmakers.
The Clemson front seven will need to slow Derrick Henry. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will scheme all game to stop Henry. Defending the play action pass well will be a must. The Dline will have to pressure Coker when the Crimson Tide call pass plays. Mackensie Alexander will have the responsibility to matchup up one on one against Ridley and Stewart. Alexander keeping his man locked down will take a lot of pressure off of the rest of the defense.
Special Teams
Field goal kicking is even in this game. The rest of special teams gives Alabama the clear advantage. It starts with returner Cyrus Jones. He returned a punt for touchdown in the Cotton Bowl and is capable of changing field position at any point in the game. The Tigers kick coverage will have to be the best it's been all season.
X-factor
This game will come down to quarterback play. Watson and Coker's performance will be huge in dictating the outcome of the game. Interceptions will cripple their teams chances of winning. Their red zone performance will be important too. Neither team can afford missed opportunities.
Prediction
This will be an epic battle and has the makings of an instant classic. With these 2 defenses the offenses will look sloppy. Derrick Henry will try to carry the team but Jacob Coker has to be great for Bama to have success. For the Tigers, it will be about Deshaun Watson. He's been cool under pressure and in the face of adversity. He plays at the most important position and with the nation watching, Watson will look to include his team and legacy with the all time greats. It will be a dogfight but the Tigers will pull it out. Clemson wins 23-19.
National Championship Preview and Prediction
