Sugar Bowl 2018: Alabama vs. Clemson TV Schedule and Live Stream

The 2018 Allstate Sugar Bowl features a third consecutive matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers—this time in a College Football Playoff semifinal.

In the past two years, these programs squared off in the national championship game as the Nos. 1 and 2 schools in the country.

In 2017, Clemson finished 12-1 and won the ACC Championship Game to clinch the top playoff spot. Alabama missed out on the SEC Championship Game after losing its first contest to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. 

Nonetheless, the CFP selection committee placed the Crimson Tide at No. 4 ahead of Ohio State, who beat undefeated Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.

With all the selection controversy in the rear-view mirror, we're going to see another thriller between Alabama and Clemson. Check out the viewing information and betting odds for this matchup:

Date: Saturday, January 1

Time: 8:45 p.m. ET 

Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

TV: ESPN

Odds: (even) via OddsShark

Live stream: WatchESPN

Matchup Breakdown

Rainier Ehrhardt/Associated Press

Though it sounds like a record on repeat, we'll see another physical contest between the two programs. Both schools also return to the CFP with NFL-caliber talent on the field. Analysts often describe Alabama's defensive front as the toughest in the nation, but No. 1 Clemson's unit takes the crown this season. 

Tigers pass-rushers Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant have 16 sacks in 2017. Christian Wilkins has applied pressure on the interior with five sacks. Quarterback Jalen Hurts must use his mobility to extend plays facing a defensive line that can take over a game.

In order to neutralize the pocket pressure, Hurts can simply hand off to one of several options in the backfield, which drew high praise from Ferrell, per ESPN.com reporter Adam Rittenberg: "This is the best group of backs we've played all year, probably the best group of backs that I've played since I've been in college. They've got four guys back there who could be starters anywhere in college football. ... This is the best, all-around, well-shaped group of backs we've played."

Ferrell's comments aren't hyperbole. The Tide's ground attack will challenge the Tigers front seven.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Running back Damien Harris, the Tide's leading rusher, averages 8.2 yards per carry on 110 attempts. He also developed a knack for reaching the end zone with 11 scores on the ground. Bo Scarbrough is third on the team in rushing yards, but he's a physical ball-carrier who can wear down a defense. Hurts' legs will bail Alabama out of multiple jams on third down. 

However, Hurts finished the season with only 1,940 passing yards. Without Lane Kiffin pulling the strings as offensive coordinator, Alabama's sophomore signal-caller needed to rely heavily on the backfield platoon, which isn't a negative with all the success on the ground.

Mike Comer/Getty Images

Similar to Hurts, Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant doesn't operate a high-powered passing attack. He uses his dual-threat capabilities to improvise in the pocket. 

The Tide went through the season with starting linebackers in and out of the lineup due to significant injuries. They'll need those defensive assets back on the field to chase down the Tigers' mobile signal-caller and disrupt the short passing attack. Bryant's inefficiencies would also make it difficult to jump-start the ground attack against a defense allowing 95.3 rushing yards per contest.

Linebacker Rashaan Evans talked extensively about opposing teams choosing to spread Alabama's defense to take advantage of the injuries and what it means to have healthy bodies on the mend:

According to Charlie Potter of 247Sports, three linebackers have practiced without limitations in recent sessions: "Inside linebacker Mack Wilson (foot) and outside linebackers Christian Miller (biceps) and Terrell Lewis (elbow) have shown no signs of limitations during the media viewing periods of Alabama's four practices leading up to the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Clemson."

The added boost in the second level of the Tide's defense will hinder Bryant's ability to improvise with the ball. Expect defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to send multiple linebackers after the Tigers quarterback to expedite his decision-making with the football.

Without a dominant receiver, Bryant is susceptible to mistakes with intense pressure leading to turnovers and a win for Alabama. 

Prediction: Alabama 23, Clemson 20