Alabama vs. Clemson: Odds, Top Storylines for College Football Championship 2016

Clemson and Alabama seem to have been on a collision course to meet in the national title game since the College Football Playoff rankings were first released in early November.

Both have proved to be the class of the field all season, but they showcased it most impressively with convincing wins in the CFP semifinals, as the Crimson Tide spanked Michigan State, 38-0, while the Tigers shunned Oklahoma, 37-17.

Clemson is college football’s last unbeaten team and could become the first FBS team to ever go 15-0, while Alabama overcame an early-season hiccup to enter their fourth title game in seven seasons at 13-1.

Despite Clemson’s firm grasp on the No. 1 spot since the first CFP rankings came out in Week 10, the Tigers are seven-point underdogs in the early betting lines, per Odds Shark.

Clemson defied Vegas’ odds as an underdog against Oklahoma and now has wins against four teams in the CFP top 10, including Notre Dame, Florida State and North Carolina.

But Alabama looks to be on cruise control with its dominant defense and rugged ground game.

In the world of college football, the national title game rarely features two season-long favorites, but that is exactly the case in this year’s edition.

Here is a look at the latest storylines heading into the Jan. 11 matchup at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Alabama LB on Clemson: “One Shot, One Kill”

LM Otero/Associated Press

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has shredded defenses with his legs and his arm all season long, but the Crimson Tide welcome the challenge of facing the Heisman Trophy finalist.

Outside linebacker Tim Williams has fed on opposing quarterbacks this season with 10.5 sacks, including five in the past three games, and he’s licking his chops at the chance to face Watson, per John Talty of AL.com:

"

One shot, one kill. … What we thrive on is guys who like to throw the ball. I know Clemson is a big spread out team that likes to throw the ball, so I'm going to welcome that. That's my type of game right there.

"

The Tide upended Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook in the semifinal, sacking the senior four times while holding him to 19-of-39 completions with zero touchdowns, two interceptions and a 19.6 quarterback rating.

Alabama has now tallied 50 sacks this season with equitable contributions from Williams, Jonathan Allen (12 sacks), Ryan Anderson (six) and A’Shawn Robinson (3.5), which will assuredly be the toughest pass rush Watson has faced all season.

But he will arguably pose more of a challenge than any quarterback Alabama has seen, given his dual-threat versatility.

Clemson Star Shaq Lawson Expects to Play vs. Bama

RICHARD SHIRO/Associated Press

All-American Shaq Lawson gave Clemson a scare when he left the team’s semifinal win over Oklahoma with a left knee injury, but afterward, he insisted he’ll play in the national title game, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:

"

I’m going to be ready to play in the national championship. I’m going to be back. … I could tell it’s nothing serious. It’s not serious.

"

Initial diagnosis reveals the injury to be a sprained MCL, but head coach Dabo Swinney said Lawson’s leave shouldn’t be a major scare, per Reynolds.

Lawson took to Twitter the day after the win with an outlook certainly more optimistic than one of a player who wouldn’t be suiting up:

While Clemson’s identity is rooted in its high-powered offense, its underlying catalyst to an unblemished record has been its rugged defense. With Lawson as its leader, Clemson's defense is tied for second in the ACC with 11 sacks.

Facing Heisman winner Derrick Henry and methodical quarterback Jake Coker will certainly be Clemson's biggest challenge yet—one that will require a strong pass rush and its best players at full strength.