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Behind enemy lines: Clemson beat writer explains why these Tigers are better prepared to beat Alabama
By Keith Farner
Published:
For perspective from the other sideline on Monday night, we talked with a Clemson beat writer about the Tigers’ season and how they arrived at the matchup.
Brad Senkiw has covered college sports for nearly a decade, and has been on the Clemson beat for the past two seasons with the Independent Mail in Anderson, S.C., and Orange and White.
Question: What’s different this year about Clemson?
Senkiw: This is a much deeper team than a year ago. Adding Mike Williams to the receiving corps not only lifted this group to one of the best in the nation, but he’s given Clemson an NFL-ready, big-play pass catcher. Last year’s defense only played about 12 players. This season, Brent Venables has rotated in 16 or 17 players fairly regularly. That’s helped not only keep players healthy but also cut down on the number of big plays allowed by this unit.
Also, Deshaun Watson is a year older and better. Same goes for running back Wayne Gallman and receivers Artavis Scott and Deon Cain.
Scheme-wise, the offense has certainly thrown more and run less than a year ago. Some of that is because defenses have tried to take that away, especially Watson’s legs. But with the number of receiving options on this team, the coaching staff has fallen in love with getting them the ball at times.
Q: Why are Clemson players and coaches more confident entering Monday night’s rematch?
Senkiw: There is a much different feel to this team. Everything was so new last year. The Tigers weren’t really sure what they were doing on the road to the national championship game. These guys set getting here this year as the goal, and they believed they could win it all. That’s brought on extra pressure, but handling that successfully breeds confidence.
Q: What impact will have the big win over Ohio State have against Alabama?
Senkiw: Beating Ohio State as thoroughly as Clemson did definitely helps morale. That might be one of the most impressive wins of the Dabo Swinney era. And the way the Tigers were able to take away Ohio State’s power run game leads right into this game’s plan against Alabama.
Q: Are any matchups more favorable to Clemson this year?
Senkiw: Well, Watson against pretty much any defense tilts the scales in Clemson’s direction. After all, he had more than 400 total yards and four touchdowns against the Crimson Tide a year ago, and Nick Saban isn’t fond of seeing Watson again. However, his mistakes, and he’s thrown 17 interceptions this year, could easily turn into points the other way for Alabama.
Clemson’s defensive line, which has been pretty dominant most of the season, could also have an advantage if it can get to QB Jalen Hurts. The freshmen will be challenged to gain yards against a stingy front on the ground, but he might not have long to pass when he throws. Clemson gave Alabama fits up front last year as well.
Q: What’s one key Clemson needs to win?
Senkiw: The Tigers have to take advantage of scoring opportunities and come away with touchdowns in the red zone. I think they’ll get their chances down there, but Alabama is pretty good at allowing 3s instead of 7s. The Tide have given up more field goals (9) than touchdowns (8) in that area. Clemson struggled in this area early in the season, mainly because of a rash of turnovers inside the 20, but it hasn’t had a touchdown rate in the red zone under 75 percent since the Pitt loss.
Q: What’s one area Clemson must avoid mistakes?
Senkiw: The Tigers have given the ball away 26 times this year. Alabama has 27 takeaways. So obviously that’s the key stat in this game, but the Tigers have to show they learned from their mistakes the last time these two met. Clemson can’t let the tight end or a running back run free in the middle of the field, and you wouldn’t think Saban would pull another onside kick, but Clemson can’t afford to fall asleep. Alabama will have some sort of trick up its sleeve.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
