After Bo Scarbrough’s timely breakout performance against Washington, we got to wondering who else could be in line to have an out-of-nowhere game.
Due to the talent on Alabama’s roster, there aren’t many players who haven’t already made a big impact in one way or another, but we tried out best to think of a couple scenarios that could play out.
These players are already known to many of the Crimson Tide faithful, but they have a chance to make a name for themselves on a national scale against Clemson.
1. Anthony Averett, cornerback: Alabama’s secondary will be tested heavily Monday night, and Averett might be tested most of all. The redshirt junior might be the least-known member of this secondary, but he has played well for much of the year.
Averett, 6-0, 183, is one of the fastest players on Alabama’s defense, and his speed will be needed against Deshaun Watson and Clemson’s talented receivers. He also does a good job attacking the ball, as was evident by his forced fumble against Washington in the Peach Bowl.
Alabama didn’t have to deal with Mike Williams (90 catches, 1,267 yards, 10 TDs) in last year’s title game. His return this season gives them Tigers more skill on the perimeter to attack Alabama. Averett hasn’t made much a national name for himself, but that could change with a big game on Monday.
He has the speed and skills to match up with anyone on offense and looks to force turnovers when given the opportunity. If Alabama needs at big play, Averett is as likely as anyone to provide one.
2. Damien Harris, running back: Harris is Alabama’s leading rusher, so it’s a bit of a stretch to say that he would be a breakout star, but he might be the running back most likely to make an impact in the title game. Although Scarbrough made headlines against Washington, Harris might be a better matchup against Clemson, which held Auburn to 87 yards rushing in the opener and Ohio State to 88 in its Fiesta Bowl victory on Saturday.
Louisville is the only team to rush for more than 170 yards against Clemson this season, and Lamar Jackson accounted for 162 of the Cards’ 273 yards.
The Tigers’ defensive line is big enough to handle Alabama’s offensive front. While Clemson has size in the trenches, Washington relied on quickness. That allowed Scarbrough to use his size to break through the front lines. Because of Clemson’s size, the Crimson Tide could seek to keep the Tigers off balance and run more read-option with Jalen Hurts and Harris.
Harris’ ability to reach the edge will be critical. Scarbrough had some home run plays against Washington, but he might not have the same chances against Clemson.
The Tigers gave up an early 50-yard touchdown run to Derrick Henry last season, but held him to just 108 more yards on his other 35 carries. Alabama hopes to get more than 3.08 yards per carry from Harris.
3. Gehrig Dieter, wide receiver: Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart are the two big names in Alabama’s receiving corps, but Dieter is a tremendous complementary piece. The senior transfer hasn’t had a big outing yet, but Clemson’s scheme might provide the opportunity.
After the monster outing that O.J. Howard had against Clemson last year, it’s unlikely that the Tigers overlook him again. Ridley hasn’t dominated a Playoff game yet, but he has the skills to. And though he didn’t catch a ball against Washington, Stewart leads the Tide with 8 TD receptions. This might allow Dieter to operate under the radar. He’s not a major part of the offense, but he could prove to be an important one against Clemson.
Last year, Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow had that kind of game against Alabama. A former walk-on, Renfrow caught seven passes, including two for touchdowns. It’s still, by far, his best performance as a Tiger.
Dieter caught the Tide’s only touchdown pass in the SEC title game. He’s only had multiple catches in the same game three times this season. His impact might not be apparent through overwhelming statistics. Instead, it is likely to be measured in the number of key moments he provides. A crucial third-down catch or 2-point conversion might be more important than 60 yards receiving.
William McFadden covers the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama for Saturday Down South. For insight on these two SEC powerhouses, follow him on Twitter @willmcfadden.
