INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALL
Everybody will have their eyes on the slot, where Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow matches up with Alabama’s unanimous AllAmerican defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. It’s the game’s premier matchup, the overlooked former walk-on (Renfrow) against the five-star and coveted NFL draft prospect (Fitzpatrick), one of several intriguing subplots to this game when Clemson has the ball. Another: Clemson quarterback
Kelly Bryant against the typically ferocious Alabama front seven. Bryant has deftly stepped in for Deshaun Watson, bringing consistency to the position, but the physicalrunning signal-caller has yet to see a defense, ranked No. 1 overall and second against the run, like this. Edge: Even.
WHEN ALABAMA HAS THE BALL
This will be like looking into a mirror for Alabama, facing a defensive front like Clemson’s. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell and tackles
Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence were first-team All-ACC selections, while
Austin Bryant was named to the second team. The foursome combined for 23 sacks this year, 43 tackles for losses, and led the Tigers’ 19th-ranked rushing defense. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (right) only threw one interception this year, but that’s mostly because of a more conservative game plan under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll — Hurts attempted 160 fewer passing and threw for eight fewer touchdowns than last season — that will need to be tweaked against a front seven as tough as this. If Alabama can’t run the ball, Hurts may not be capable of carrying the offense. Edge: Clemson.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Clemson’s Ray-Ray McCloud is dangerous returning punts, averaging 12.1 yards an attempt, and took one 77 yards for a touchdown. There are holes in each team’s kicking game. Clemson’s Alex Spence made just 2-of-7 kicks of over 30 yards after replacing injured starter Greg Huegel in late September, while Andy Pappanastos made only 4-of-8 in the 40s. Punter JK Scott handles the long kicks, but went just 1-for-3.
Edge: Even.
COACHING
In back-to-back years, Dabo Swinney has proven he’s every bit Nick Saban’s equal in talent evaluation and development, preparation, motivation and game-planning. His teams have shown resilience, toughness and no fear of Saban’s juggernaut, surely a result of the genuine and carefree coach. This year, however, could be different. Clemson is the hunted — the defending champion — while Alabama is out for revenge. It will be interesting to see how the two coaching giants prepare their teams for these different roles. Edge: Even.