Clemson vs. Alabama: Early Guide for CFP National Championship 2016
The Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide have been on a collision course for the National Championship Game since early November when the playoff committee first ranked the teams at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
We're used to seeing late-season upsets in college football, but these two teams have cruised, relatively untested, into the title game.
It should be a great matchup, as each team holds advantages over the other in certain areas of the game.
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Below are all the game-day details you'll need to follow the title game, followed by a breakdown of some pressing questions that could decide the outcome of this year's national championship.
| Mon., Jan. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 2 Alabama (-7) | Glendale, AZ | ESPN |
Can Clemson Stop Alabama's Pass Rush?
Alabama boasts one of the nation's most dominant defensive front sevens, a unit which leads the nation with 50 sacks.
The overwhelming pressure generated by Alabama was a key factor in its dominant 38-0 victory over Michigan State in the semifinals. Against the Spartans, Alabama produced four sacks and six tackles for loss.
But in the National Championship Game, Alabama will go up against one of the most consistent offensive line units in the nation.
In part due to Clemson's offensive line and in part due to Deshaun Watson's mobility, Clemson surrendered just 16 sacks this season and tied for the 14th fewest sacks per game in the nation.
One of the keys to this game could be Clemson left tackle Mitch Hyatt.
Hyatt is an 18-year-old true freshman who will have the difficult task of trying to slow down a number of Alabama defenders who may be headed to the NFL in just a few months. How he fares could determine whether or not Watson is able to make plays in the passing game against the Crimson Tide.
Can Cam Robinson Contain Shaq Lawson?
Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson has struggled this season but will need to be at his best against future first-round pick Shaq Lawson.
Clemson almost exclusively lines Lawson up on the right side of its defensive line, creating a consistent matchup with Robinson.
According to CFB Film Room, Robinson allowed a team-high 22 quarterback pressures entering the playoffs, including nine sacks.
Considering quarterback Jake Coker's limited mobility, Robinson's ability to contain Lawson will be critical to Alabama generating a consistent passing attack.
Will Alabama's Special Teams Step Up Again?
With respect to Alabama's defense, its most dominant unit over the past few games has been its special teams.
Cyrus Jones has been the star, tallying four punt returns for touchdowns this season, including two in Alabama's biggest games of the year against Mississippi State and Michigan State.
The special teams unit also stepped up with a blocked field goal in the SEC Championship Game against Florida, stealing some early momentum away from the Gators.
Even kicker Adam Griffith, who struggled early in the season, has hit on eight of his last nine field goal attempts.
In an otherwise close matchup, Clemson can't afford to slip up on special teams and allow Alabama to create a momentum-changing play.
Final Prediction
Alabama's defensive line is a special unit, but that's just one dominant area.
Clemson may lack that one truly elite unit, but its roster is littered with future NFL players at every level of the offense and defense.
The Crimson Tide found success this season by taking away their opponent's go-to players on offense, but Clemson isn't as one dimensional as other Alabama foes such as Tennessee, Mississippi State and Michigan State.
If the Tide sells out to stop running back Wayne Gallman, Watson will find someone among his slew of talented receivers in Artavis Scott, Charone Peake or Jordan Leggett.
Alabama's defense was exposed against Ole Miss, the only other complete offense the Tide have faced this season. Clemson has the talent to produce a similar outcome.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Alabama 31
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