Alabama vs. Clemson: Odds and 2019 College Football Championship Prediction

Monday's national championship doesn't feel like the conclusion of a four-year rivalry between Alabama and Clemson. It has the sense of the next chapter in a matchup that will continue to dominate the college football landscape.

The winner of the clash at Levi's Stadium gains an upper hand in the national championship record against its foe, as the two programs split their title meetings in 2016 and 2017.

Among the many intriguing storylines being built up leading into Monday night is the quarterback clash between a pair of future NFL stars in Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa.

The odds have been in favor of Alabama since the matchup was determined December 29, but Clemson appears to be in the best shape to beat the Crimson Tide since the rivalry began in 2016.

Odds

Prediction

Clemson 31, Alabama 28

Just like the first two national championship meetings between the two sides, Monday's game is expected to be tight.

Clemson has the best chance to win because of its upgrade in quarterback play with Lawrence in control under center.

During the Cotton Bowl, Lawrence backed up head coach Dabo Swinney's September decision to start the freshman over the experienced Kelly Bryant by throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns.

Ben Margot/Associated Press

What Clemson missed in its matchup with Alabama in the 2018 Sugar Bowl was a quarterback who could dissect the Alabama secondary, and Lawrence fits that bill.

Three hundred yards will be harder to come by against Alabama's passing defense that concedes 178.4 passing yards per game, but Lawrence will come close.

What Lawrence does have going in his favor is the talented young receivers he throws to often, including Justyn Ross, Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers.

While those players will be targeted a good amount Monday, keep an eye on senior Hunter Renfrow in key situations, including third-down and red-zone opportunities.

Renfrow is one of the few offensive stars on the Clemson roster with experience against Alabama, as he caught the game-winning score in the 2017 national championship from Deshaun Watson.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is in a similar situation as his Clemson counterpart, as he possesses a young stable of wide receivers and one experienced player who could be the X-factor for his team.

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

DeVonta Smith, who caught the game-winning pass against Georgia in the 2018 national championship, Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy will play similar roles to Ross, Higgins and Rodgers in the Alabama offense.

Tight end Irv Smith Jr. isn't as shifty as Renfrow, but he's as reliable, and he'll be looked at more as the Crimson Tide get closer to the end zone.

While the quarterbacks will be under the spotlight for the majority of the contest, both teams have standout running backs who will help extend drives.

Alabama's three-pronged attack of Damien Harris, Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs will be vital to keeping the pressure off Tagovailoa, especially if one or more of them can become an asset in the passing game.

Clemson's Travis Etienne does most of his damage in the trenches, and he'll batter against defenders for tough yards before attempting to break a long touchdown scamper, like he did against Notre Dame.

While most of the focus will be on the offense, Clemson's defense will play a role in handing the title back to the Tigers.

First-round talents Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant can't be kept at bay all night, which means they should be able to get enough pressure on Tagovailoa to disrupt him on a few drives and open up the window of opportunity for the Tigers to strike and take the lead.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.