Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Clemson Tigers Betting Odds, National Championship Pick

For the second time in three years, an unbeaten ACC school will take on a one-loss SEC team for college football’s national championship when the Clemson Tigers (14-0) take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Crimson Tide will be trying to win their fourth national title in seven years in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

College Football Playoff National Championship point spread: The Crimson Tide opened as 5.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 40.0-38.0 Crimson Tide

Why the Crimson Tide can cover the spread

The Tide have rolled to 11 consecutive wins since falling to the Ole Miss Rebels 43-37 as nine-point home favorites on September 19. They are 7-4 against the spread during that stretch, with their most impressive victory coming in a 38-0 rout of the Michigan State Spartans as 10.5-point chalk in the Cotton Bowl on December 31, which was the second of two national semifinal games in the College Football Playoff.

Alabama obviously has the experience and coaching edge with Nick Saban, who has again done a masterful job preparing his team to get to this point despite the early-season loss. Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry was used as a decoy early on against the Spartans but will likely play a larger role carrying the ball versus Clemson after rushing for 2,061 yards and 25 touchdowns in 14 games.

Why the Tigers can cover the spread

It is hard to believe the Tigers are undefeated yet still underrated in this spot because all they have done is win all their games, just like the Florida State Seminoles did out of the ACC when they won the BCS title 34-31 over the SEC’s Auburn Tigers two years ago. But the Seminoles are more of a traditional powerhouse and were favored by 10.5 points against the Tigers, while Clemson is an underdog for the second time.

The Tigers were favored in every game during the regular season before facing the Oklahoma Sooners as 3.5-point dogs in the Orange Bowl. They upset the Sooners 37-17 behind quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Wayne Gallman, who combined for 295 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Watson also threw for 187 yards and one touchdown, and the Heisman finalist will be the difference for Clemson if the school is going to win its first national championship since 1981.

Smart pick

The Crimson Tide defense suffocated Michigan State in the national semifinal but will find the Tigers to be a much better offensive team. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will have his players believing they can win this game just like every other one en route to a perfect record. While Swinney has led the Tigers to just an 8-7 mark SU and ATS against SEC opponents, he will do a good enough job to at least help them cover the spread here in what will be another memorable national title game.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in seven of Clemson's last 10 games.

Clemson is 1-3 ATS in its last four games against the SEC.

Alabama is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four games against the ACC.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.