CFP National Championship 2016: Early Predictions for Alabama vs. Clemson

No. 1 Clemson and No. 2 Alabama both made major statements with sizable semifinal victories over Oklahoma and Michigan State, respectively. It sets the stage for what should be a memorable College Football Playoff National Championship game between the two best teams in the nation this season.

The Tigers are the nation's only undefeated team at 14-0 and have scored at least 30 points in nine of their past 10 games. The Crimson Tide have racked up six wins over ranked opponents since an early loss to Ole Miss, and the closest margin in any of those marquee games was 14 points.

Something will have to give in the national title game. Let's check out all of the important viewing information for the contest along with a preview and some early predictions.

Game Details

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

When: Monday, Jan. 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Preview

It's going to take a tremendous effort from Clemson to capture the title given the roll Alabama has been on for the past couple months. Something in line with what the Tigers produced in the second half against Oklahoma as they outscored the Sooners 21-0 after the break to advance.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, can't afford another sluggish first half like the ones he had against Florida State and Oklahoma. The Tigers simply don't have enough margin for error.

On the flip side, the Alabama defensive front must contain him and try to make him as much of a pocket passer as possible. Watson is still capable of having success in that role, but it's easier to deal with than allowing him to run wild, as he has while racking up five 100-yard rushing games in his past six outings.

The onus falls on Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams, who've combined for 22.5 sacks so far this season, to get consistent pressure in the Clemson backfield. Force Watson to make quick decisions and collapse the running lanes in the process. That's easier said than done, of course.

Getting Heisman winner Derrick Henry rolling on the ground is the not-so-secret key to success for the Tide. Once they establish the ground game the door is wide open for quarterback Jake Coker to start getting some easy looks through the air, which is exactly what led to the rout of Michigan State.

Ultimately, these two teams are well-polished in their offensive game plans and have been able to lean heavily on their defenses when necessary. So there shouldn't be many surprises in the title game. It will be a battle of execution.

One thing Alabama head coach Nick Saban has mentioned multiple times during the latter stages of the season is his current group's drive to succeed. He highlighted that change in approach compared to last year's loss to Ohio State following the win over Michigan State, per Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports.

"I think the players learned a lot from what happened in the game last year," Saban said. "I was not always pleased with the way we prepared for [that] game. Maybe we were a little bit too complacent, and I take responsibility for that."

While going for the national title is old hat for Saban by now, it's a new experience for his counterpart, Dabo Swinney, as a coach. You could sense the enthusiasm in his comments after the convincing triumph over Oklahoma, as noted by Mark Schlabach of ESPN.

"I gave them shirts that said, 'Dream The Dream,' " Swinney said. "I said, '15 for '15,' with the message being let's make them print 15 tickets this year, somehow, someway. Tonight coming in, I said, 'Hey, tonight we make that dream a reality. You're four quarters away.' My gosh, they've got to print a 15th ticket to see the Tigers now."

Swinney has pushed all the right buttons throughout the season. Now the question is whether that will continue against somebody with Saban's experience, particularly on the big stage.

ESPN Stats and Info notes its Football Power Index doesn't like the Tigers' chances:

All told, it's just too difficult to pick against the Crimson Tide at this point. Ever since that loss to Ole Miss they have simply been playing on a completely different level than everybody else, and it's been impressive to watch.

Clemson certainly features enough firepower to keep it close. But it would take a near-perfect performance to get the win, and Bama's defense has the playmakers to ensure that doesn't happen on Jan. 11.

Game Prediction: Alabama 27, Clemson 21

Offensive MVP Pick: Derrick Henry (Alabama)

Defensive MVP Pick: Jonathan Allen (Alabama)