Clemson vs. Alabama: Top Players in CFP National Championship 2016
After cruising to easy victories in their semifinal matchups, the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have over a week to prepare for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Much of the time spent in preparation will be focused on developing a game plan to slow down the elite players on each unit.
With both rosters loaded with future pros, a number of players could attract the attention of their opponent, but we'll focus on the three players who have the potential to make the most direct impact on the game.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Here's a look at the three players whose performances will play a major role in determining this year's national champ.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Stopping Deshaun Watson will be the key to the victory for Alabama because of his ability to impact the game in so many ways.
Against Oklahoma, Watson had one of his most disappointing games of the season as a passer, which was perhaps influenced by the suspension of wide receiver Deon Cain.
However, Watson more than made up for his struggles in the passing game by taking over on the ground.
Watson ran for a career-high 145 yards on 24 carries against the Sooners and combined with running back Wayne Gallman to produce 295 yards on the ground.
Alabama's defense is better suited to stop the run and will likely contain the Tigers' rushing attack far more efficiently than Oklahoma. But Watson has proved his ability to adjust to the defense.
Against Boston College, the No. 2 rushing defense in the nation, Watson threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns.
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Unfortunately, we may not get to see Shaq Lawson at full strength after he suffered a knee injury in Clemson's victory over Oklahoma.
Lawson missed the majority of the semifinal game due to the injury, but ESPN's Marty Smith reported that Lawson expects to play in the national championship game:
"Shaq Lawson on health of knee: In a little pain. This won't affect me. Couple days rest & some treatment and I'll be ready. It'll be fine.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) January 1, 2016"
Assuming Lawson plays, he'll be the key to Clemson's pass rush, matching up with Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson.
According to CFB Film Room, Lawson led the Tigers with 41 quarterback pressures this season.
If Lawson is healthy, he should be able to use his combination of strength and athleticism to get the better of Robinson and bring consistent pressure on Alabama quarterback Jake Coker.
In the semifinals, Michigan State failed to bring the type of pressure that Lawson is capable of and Coker responded with the best game of his career, earning a grade of plus-4.0 from Pro Football Focus.
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Alabama cruised to victory against Michigan State despite one of Derrick Henry's most pedestrian games of the season.
Clemson has fared well against the majority of the top running backs it has faced this season, with one major exception:
| Dalvin Cook, FSU | 21 | 194 | 9.2 |
| Elijah Hood, UNC | 14 | 65 | 4.6 |
| Samaje Perine, OKLA | 15 | 58 | 3.9 |
| C.J. Prosise, ND | 15 | 50 | 3.3 |
Of the running backs listed above, Henry compares most favorably to Dalvin Cook in terms of production this season, but his style is actually more similar to the power-running games of Samaje Perine and Elijah Hood.
Clemson's strong interior defense led by tackles D.J. Reader and Carlos Watkins has made it difficult for power runners to move between the tackles this season.
Henry is obviously a special talent and will provide a unique test for the Clemson defensive line. If he's able to expose the Clemson defense, Alabama should be able to control the tempo of the game.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
