These 5 Tigers all played well against Alabama ... and they're back
There should be a lot of familiarity between Alabama and Clemson considering this will be the third time they have played in the past three years.
With that said, this isn’t the same Clemson team that beat Alabama to win the national championship. Deshaun Watson, Jordan Leggett, Cordrea Tankersley and several others moved on to the NFL.
However, there are guys who have seen success against the Tide. Here are five in particular with whom Alabama must be concerned.
1. Hunter Renfrow, WR
If there is one returning player for Clemson that Alabama fans have come to fear, it’s WR Hunter Renfrow. He has the most receptions (17) and receiving touchdowns (4) against an Alabama defense since Saban took over in 2007.
To say Renfrow has been outstanding against the Tide would be an understatement. In 2016, he put up 88 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. He was even better this past January — hauling in 10 catches for 92 yards and two more touchdowns.
His biggest play might’ve been this touchdown catch with only seconds remaining to give Clemson a 35-31 victory over Alabama.
Clemson beats Alabama 35-31 with 1 second to go. Hunter Renfrow with the TD #ALLIN #RollTide #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/4BaeNlN9Fn
— TheInsideZone.com (@TheInsideZone) January 10, 2017
Renfrow’s ability to come up with big plays in crucial moments has been huge for Clemson’s offense.
This season hasn’t been much different in that department. He leads the team in receptions (55) and is second in receiving yardage (571) and receiving touchdowns (3).
2. Clelin Ferrell, Edge Rusher
Ferrell only recorded one tackle — which went for a loss — against Alabama in last year’s national championship, so why did he make the list?
Well, Ferrell actually played a lot better than that stat line indicates. The 6-5, 260-pound edge rusher was excellent against the run, and that helped keep the Alabama running backs in check once Bo Scarbrough went down with an injury.
Ferrell had the third-best grade among defensive players according to Pro Football Focus.
The redshirt sophomore has continued to improve on his already impressive play this season — recording 62 tackles (17 of them for a loss), 8.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles.
To see just how dominant Ferrell can be, check out his highlights against N.C. State.
Clelin Ferrell came up big on Saturday for @ClemsonFB and earns this week’s Defensive Lineman of the Week! #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/qT0Xg9XCtZ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) November 6, 2017
Alabama’s Jonah Williams is one of college football’s top left tackles, but he’ll certainly have his hands full come New Year’s Day.
3. Deon Cain, WR
Cain wasn’t able to play in the first game against Alabama back in January 2016 due to a suspension, but he made it for it in last year’s national championship game.
Cain racked up 94 yards on five catches — including a 43-yard catch (the second longest play from scrimmage) to set up Clemson’s first touchdown late in the second quarter.
With last year’s top receiver Mike Williams now playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, Cain has become an excellent option alongside Renfrow for Kelly Bryant. He leads the team in touchdown receptions (6) and receiving yards (659) while also checking in with the second-most receptions (52).
Deon Cain TD from earlier in the night. #Devy pic.twitter.com/3L0wyI5Xw6
— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) December 3, 2017
Cain is Clemson’s best deep threat. Expect him to challenge Bama’s secondary at some point.
4. Dexter Lawrence, DT
At 6-4, 340 pounds, Dexter Lawrence is one of those guys that you want to be the first off the bus. He’s a massive presence, but there isn’t much fat on him at all.
Against Alabama in January, the hulking Lawrence put up four total tackles. It was his presence on the interior that made the biggest difference, however.
He made running the football between the tackle extremely difficult, and this year’s matchup will be no different.
There is even talk of him being a potential candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft — he’s only a true sophomore, so he won’t be eligible this year.
5. Tyrone Crowder, OG
Speaking of players with a hulking presence, Tyrone Crowder brings a lot of size to the other side of the football for Clemson. He’s 6-2, 340 pounds, and he’s been an effective presence at right guard for the past two years.
Crowder considered leaving Clemson early to go to the NFL. He ultimately chose to come back to try to help the Tigers get to their third consecutive national championship game.
Clemson’s offense only averaged 118 yards on the ground in the two previous appearances against Alabama, but Crowder — in addition to players such as left tackle Mitch Hyatt — will be crucial to any success the Tigers have.
That task could be much easier with players such as Jonathan Allen, Dalvin Tomlinson, Reuben Foster, Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams all gone to the NFL.
