Kirk Herbstreit discusses what Alabama has to do to slow down Clemson’s offense
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Alabama and Clemson are quite familiar with one another, having met the past two years in the national title game, with each school winning once.
However, this year, they’ll meet in the College Football Playoff semifinals, playing the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
This time around, Clemson isn’t quarterbacked by Deshaun Watson, either, as Kelly Bryant has taken over the reins to the Tigers’ offense.
So, how can the Crimson Tide defense slow down Bryant’s dual-threat attack? ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said the most important thing is to not let Bryant make plays with his feet (via 247Sports):
“First, (Clemson co-OC) Tony Elliott deserves a lot of credit, that whole offensive staff,” Herbstreit said during Thursday’s “Herbie Awards” special on ESPN. “They’ve really changed their approach this year. Kelly Bryant comes in, more of a runner and they’re offense became a little different. The quarterback was a real threat (as a runner). If I’m Alabama, I’m Nick Saban, I am determined to stop that quarterback from running.
“We’re going to load the line of scrimmage and leave our corners on islands. Can Bryant make them pay? Overall, at the end of it, we’re going to say, ‘I didn’t know Kelly could throw it like that’ if Clemson wins the game.”
Interestingly, that’s probably a similar game plan to what Clemson DC Brent Venables will have to try to slow down Alabama QB Jalen Hurts.
This is a matchup of two very similar teams and should be a lot of fun to watch on New Year’s Day.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
