Ad Disclosure
Few college football games go according to predicted script. There’s no reason to expect Monday’s national championship game between Alabama and Clemson to be any different.
With that disclaimer, here are 10 somewhat bold predictions for the game:
10. Clemson will throw for more than 250 yards. The Tigers are going to have to throw the football against the Crimson Tide’s ferocious front seven. With QB Deshaun Watson buying time with his running ability, the Tigers will hit passes downfield. Watson has averaged 264 passing yards per game. The Tide defense has allowed opponents an average of only 186 yards.
9. Derrick Henry will rush for 150 or more yards. Though the Heisman Trophy winner was held to 75 yards by Michigan State, he’ll be a bigger contributor against the Tigers.
8. Alabama will hold Watson to less than 30 yards rushing. The Clemson quarterback has rushed for 1,032 yards — about 74 yards per game. The Tide’s strength up front and speed outside won’t allow Watson to break containment.
7. Clemson will lead after the first quarter. The Tigers have outstanding talent on offense, beginning with Watson. The Tide will need some time to adjust to the Tigers’ speed and game plan.
6. Clemson will run at least three gimmick plays. Dabo Swinney loves gimmick plays — except when he didn’t call them. Expect a few of the following: an onside kick, a fake punt or field goal, a halfback pass, a throwback pass to Watson, etc.
5. Clemson will commit at least three turnovers. The Tide will force Watson into mistakes, especially after taking the lead. The Tigers quarterback threw 12 interceptions, including two each against Louisville, Boston College and Wake Forest. The Tigers have committed 26 turnovers, one more than their opponents — a surprising statistic for a 14-0 team.
4. Henry will carry at least 30 times. The running back will be the Tide’s best weapon against a Clemson defense with a strong secondary.
3. Andre Ellington will be interviewed by ESPN on the sideline. The former Clemson running back, a member of the Arizona Cardinals should be at the game. Former Clemson kicker Chandler Catanzaro and former Alabama standouts Rashad Johnson and Ed Stinson, all Cardinals players, will also be seen on the sideline.
2. Alabama will cover the 7-point spread. Clemson will provide a good challenge. But the Tide will wear the Tigers down and pull away to win by two touchdowns.
1. Nick Saban will not dab. The season will be over. The Alabama coach doesn’t have to dance to make his players happy or attract recruits.
