Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
One final look, with an edge
X’s and O’s: Breaking down the national championship game rematch between Alabama and Clemson
Offense
Alabama: After the Crimson Tide’s offense struggled against No. 4 Washington in the Peach Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff, Alabama coach Nick Saban announced Lane Kiffin was leaving to focus on his new job as head coach at Florida Atlantic and Steve Sarkisian would take over as offensive coordinator. Sarkisian has been working with the Tide staff all season, shares many traits with Kiffin and is eager to do well. But there’s no question relying on freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts against a potent defense with a new offensive coordinator is equal parts surprising and challenging. Alabama leaned on bruising running back Bo Scarbrough to beat Washington in the semifinal and will need another strong performance from him against the Tigers.
Clemson: Deshaun Watson and the Tigers faced heavy criticism after narrowly beating weak opponents to start the season. Watson said he never lost faith in his team. Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson overshadowed him in the Heisman Trophy race, but Saban calls Watson the best college football player in the country. Watson has accounted for 4,756 yards of offense and ranks fourth nationally in points responsible for with 280. Despite tossing 17 interceptions, Watson is a clutch game-changer for the Tigers. He gets help from a strong offensive line, a versatile group of receivers and talented tailback Wayne Gallman.
Edge: Clemson.
Defense
Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s defense is in a class of its own this season, ranking No. 1 in the nation and setting new standards for excellence. Linebacker Reuben Foster, defensive back Ronnie Harrison and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen lead a formidable unit that has scored 11 touchdowns off turnovers. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney notes the group’s impressive depth and that it has managed to turn nonoffensive touchdowns into a widely discussed metric for success. When Washington showed signs of challenging Alabama in the Peach Bowl semifinal, the Tide’s defense blew the game open with a timely score and slammed the door shut on a potential Huskies rally.
Clemson: Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables said his team isn’t resting on its laurels or taking a premature victory lap after shutting out Ohio State coach Urban Meyer for the first time in his career. Fired-up veteran linebacker Ben Boulware has recorded 221 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, four sacks and four interceptions during his career. He has vowed the Clemson defense will do everything in its power to limit Alabama’s offense, winning its portion of the championship game rematch.
Edge: Alabama.
Special teams
Alabama: Crimson Tide kicker Adam Griffith and punter JK Scott have been steady for a team that hasn’t had to rely on special teams to win a lot of games. Griffith delivered a successful onside kick during last year’s national title game triumph over Clemson and hit 20 of his 27 field-goal attempts this season. Scott ranks third nationally, averaging 47.4 yards per punt.
Clemson: The Tigers gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown during last year’s title game and have focused on improving play on returns. Kicker Greg Huegel has hit 14 of 19 field-goal tries for the Tigers this season, with a 47-yarder his longest of the year. Punter Andy Teasdall is only averaging 35.7 yards per punt. While Clemson has faced tighter games most of the season, the special teams unit has not been a game-changer regularly with no kickoff or punt return touchdowns. Edge: Alabama.
Coaching
Alabama: Saban has no peers. He has won five national championships and is on the cusp of tying Crimson Tide legend Bear Bryant in college football career titles (six). Despite starting a freshman quarterback, Alabama is the nation’s only undefeated team. Saban is 114-18 in 10 seasons at Alabama and shows no signs of slowing down, regularly landing top talent to lead his vast support staff and No. 1 recruiting classes.
Clemson: Swinney helped his team remain focused despite losing to Pittsburgh earlier this season and turning in some sloppy regular-season performances. He has posted a 75-27 record in eight seasons at Clemson, going 47-14 in ACC regular-season games. Swinney has won two ACC titles and five bowl games. He inherited a program in rebuilding mode and has spent years developing the Tigers into an ACC power and title contender.
Edge: Alabama.
Intangibles
Alabama: The Crimson Tide always is supposed to win this category, developing an aura of invincibility after consistently winning despite being a hunted team for years during Saban’s tenure. Alabama had momentum after overpowering Florida in the SEC championship game, but the team needed a big push from its remarkable defense and a surge from Scarbrough to reach the title game. Staff changes and lack of experience at some key positions make the touchdown favorite seem a bit vulnerable.
Clemson: It’s hard to shake the feeling the Tigers are riding more positive momentum. Clemson rocked Ohio State, peaking at the right time. Clemson players have tried to limit their trash talk, but they have admitted they are angry after losing last year’s title game to an Alabama team they thought they should have beaten.
Edge: Clemson.