Sugar Bowl 2018: Individual Matchups to Watch in Alabama vs. Clemson
The Sugar Bowl is more than just a College Football Playoff semifinal.
It's a showdown between two of the sport's best programs that are looking to gain an upper hand in the third game of a three-year series that will vault the winner into the National Championship.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers will be separated by thin margins, and the result of the contest could come down to the All-Americans and playmakers pitted against each other in key matchups.
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Below is a look at three vital matchups that could go a long way in determining the Sugar Bowl.
Calvin Ridley vs. Tanner Muse
One of the first things the Alabama offense should do in the Sugar Bowl is attempt a deep ball in the direction of Calvin Ridley.
Jalen Hurts won't have to air it out on numerous occasions, but putting the thought of Ridley chasing down a deep pass for a touchdown in the heads of the Clemson defense early is critical to the game plan of the Crimson Tide.
Standing in the way of Ridley's success in the secondary will be Clemson safety Tanner Muse, who will be well aware of the threat Ridley poses.
Ridley, who has 896 receiving yards and three touchdown catches, has picked up a reception of 50 or more yards in four games, including two of his last three.
Not only does Ridley bring the deep threat to the gridiron, he will be able to cut across the field and demand attention from the Clemson defense, and sometimes he could do so as a decoy to set up his fellow receivers.
Just because Muse hasn't picked off an opposing quarterback this season doesn't mean he won't make an impact in the Sugar Bowl.
If Muse has everything under control in the secondary and limits the big-play potential of Crimson Tide, the Tigers could be able to dictate the contest through field position.
Bradley Bozeman and Jonah Williams vs. Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins
One of the most intriguing matchups of the entire bowl season pits Alabama's offensive line against Clemson's defensive front four.
Alabama's front five is led by AP Second-Team All-American center Bradley Bozeman and AP Third-Team All-American tackle Jonah Williams, and they'll go up against AP First-Team All-American Clelin Ferrell and AP Second-Team All-American Christian Wilkins.
Bozeman and Williams will have to contain the pass rush of Ferrell and Wilkins, who combined for 28 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
In two games against SEC opposition, Ferrell and Wilkins combined for 20 tackles, with Wilkins earning 10 tackles in the Week 2 victory over Auburn.
If Bozeman and Williams can find a way to contain the pass rush of the Clemson duo in the first half, it should open up the pocket for Hurts either to take time to analyze the secondary or burst into space himself in search of first downs.
Hunter Renfrow vs. Minkah Fitzpatrick
Hunter Renfrow was the star of the National Championship last season by pulling in 10 catches for 92 yards and two scores.
Renfrow may not have put up astounding numbers during the regular season, but he'll be a reliable target for Kelly Bryant to lean on during the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama will rely on Minkah Fitzpatrick to lead the secondary and shut down Renfrow, Deon Cain and the rest of the Clemson wide receivers.
Fitzpatrick won't just be patrolling the defensive backfield, as he'll more than likely be a contributor to the Crimson Tide pass rush as they look to make Bryant feel as uncomfortable as possible.
How often Fitzpatrick moves close to the line will depend on the efficiency of Renfrow and Co. If Renfrow is able to break loose for a few early receptions, it will put the onus on Fitzpatrick to remain deeper and control Clemson's offense in that part of the field.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
All stats obtained from Sports Reference and ESPN.com.
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