Article courtesty of SEC Sports Hub.
Overview
The Crimson Tide are looking to rebound after a very disappointing first season for multi-million dollar head coach Nick Saban.
Clemson will enter the season with the target on their backs as favorites to win the ACC. Coach Tommy Bowden will also try to prove that he can win when he’s supposed to, as the Tigers hope to claim their first ACC Championship in his tenure.
Offensively, the Crimson Tide look to be in great shape. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson will return to lead what should be one of the better units in the SEC, behind a great offensive line. Running back Terry Grant could be the next great at Alabama and a host of true freshman should impress right off the bat.
The Tide are also fairly talented on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. The linebacking corps is a question mark, with little depth or proven talent other than sophomore Rolando McClain.
The defensive line should be fairly talented and hold their own against a young Clemson offensive line.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers heading into the season is the offensive line, where four starters from the 2007 season have departed. If the new faces can provide good blocking for James Davis, C.J. Spiller and Cullen Harper, the Tiger offense should be lethal. If not, the Tigers could be in for another disappointing season.
Defensively, Clemson appears to be very strong. They return eight starters from the 2007 squad and true freshman defensive end Da’Quan Bowers has turned a lot of heads with his play in spring and fall practice. He could be the next monster on the defensive line for Clemson.
This game will ultimately break down to Alabama’s ability to stop the run. The Crimson Tide offense will be able to put up points, but it will be up to Alabama’s defense to shut down Davis and Spiller to prevent Clemson from controlling the clock, and ultimately, the game.
X – Factor
Alabama Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody is a mammoth on the inside and he is expected to pound opposing offensive lines during the 2008 season. If Cody can get pressure on Cullen Harper consistently in third down situations, Alabama should be in very good shape.
The Pick
Despite their reputation as an underachieving favorite, Clemson has all the horses to win this game. Expect to see a healthy dose of James Davis and C.J. Spiller.
Coach Tommy Bowden will shut down the Tide's running game to win. With the lack of experience and depth at the linebacker position, expect to see Clemson’s ground game to have some pretty good success.
Clemson 31 – 27 Alabama
To find other SEC game previews for opening weekend, go to SEC Sports Hub's Week 1 Preview Page.
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