Alabama played two notable mobile QBs in the SEC this season and they failed to cover either game, including a SU win, non-cover against Joshua Dobbs and Tennessee and an outright loss to Chad Kelly and Ole Miss.
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That game gives Clemson safety Jayron Kearse confidence that the Tigers’ defense can neutralize the best runner in the nation. Alabama has given up just 991 rushing yards this season on 430 carries. A battle of #1 vs #2 as the Crimson Tide take on the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney downplayed the significance of the extra time. Until 1970 for Clemson and 1971 for Alabama, neither team had ever included African-American players on their rosters. Tajh Boyd had that mark with 4410 yards in 2012, Watson has 3699 yards passing and 1032 rushing for his 4731 this year, an average of 338 yards per game.
RB Wayne Gallman ran for almost 1,500 yards this season.
Coming off a knee injury from the Orange Bowl and assuming he plays, which he mostly likely will be a big factor for Clemson. Other potential high picks, like Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander, either haven’t decided or haven’t revealed their intentions publicly. This might be a little factor if Alabama’s defense is strong and Clemson is forced to kick. He has brought a punt back for a touchdown in three of Alabama’s past five games, including a 57-yard punt return touchdown against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl. When the Tide have 5 or more yards to go, they convert on 25 percent of their attempts.
Alabama sophomore punter JK Scott has 20 punts of 50-plus yards with a 44.4 average, while Clemson junior Andy Teasdall has a 39 yards per punt average with 21 inside the 20. Through insane kickoff returns and fumble return touchdowns, we have made it to Glendale, Arizona.
If you’ve listened to ESPN all week, you know that this Alabama team would beat the 1985 Chicago Bears by 11 touchdowns and do it with their third string.
Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson had almost wrapped up a summertime appearance when someone asked if the Tigers could win a national championship.
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Alabama’s mastermind is simply the best coach in college football, and despite losing three of his last seven bowl appearances overall, Saban can’t be matched when the national championship is on the line. Swinney’s Tigers have won 17 in a row and 23 of the last 24. This game represents a new challenge for both – the first Playoff final for each side.
