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5 thoughts about what Alabama would face with game against Clemson
By Sean Labar
Published:
If Alabama wins tonight’s Cotton Bowl, the Crimson Tide will face a scary Clemson squad in the national championship game.
Clemson didn’t have an explosive start against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. But when they found a rhythm, the Tigers showed why they haven’t lost a game all year.
Here are five thoughts on Clemson as an opponent for Alabama in the national title game:
1. Don’t overlook Wayne Gallman: It seems like most of the conversation surrounding Clemson this season has been focused on QB Deshaun Watson. Rightly so. But Gallman has put together an outstanding season with 1,332 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing heading into the Orange Bowl. The Clemson tailback found his groove in the second half against Oklahoma, providing the perfect relief for Watson. It will be tough sledding against the Alabama rush defense, but Gallman has proven he can get the job done.
2. The Clemson defensive line is disruptive: Most SEC fans are familiar with Alabama’s defensive line and its ability to smother opposing running backs. But Clemson has a dominating front seven of its own. Even after the loss of DE Shaq Lawson early against Oklahoma, the Tigers generated pressure and forced Baker Mayfield into mistakes. Jake Coker isn’t considered a breakaway threat, so the Tigers will surely aim to take away Derrick Henry.
3. Trick plays anyone? It may seem crazy at times, but Dabo Swinney won’t shy away from a huge trick play at a critical point of the game. Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter against the Sooners, Swinney dialed up a fake from punter Andy Teasdale that helped sway momentum in favor of the Tigers. Don’t be shocked if Clemson pulls out some trickery on college football’s biggest stage.
The Clemson punter ran another fake punt… and TOTALLY redeemed himself!https://t.co/cNnxw2n1gc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 31, 2015
4. Deshaun Watson is as good as advertised: Watson is a rare talent and presents challenges no matter who he faces. He was accurate through the air against Oklahoma and wasn’t scared to call his own number in running situations. The Sooners entered today’s game with the 29th overall defense in the country, but Watson and company dominated it all night. Alabama boasts the No. 1 defense in the nation against the run. Between Watson and Gallman, the Tide will be tested.
5. Clemson keeps finding ways to win: Alabama may be regarded by some as the most complete team in college football, but Clemson should never be taken lightly. Three Tigers players were suspended before the game including starting WR Deon Cain. But Clemson responded. Lawson went down in the first quarter, but his teammates stepped up. Oklahoma looked like the better team in the first quarter, but Clemson found its groove and dominated the second half. If Alabama beats Michigan State, the Tide better bring its “A” game.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
