CLEMSON
Now he will wind up facing his alma mater in Clemson’s biggest game in more than 34 years.
Both teams dominated their playoff semifinal matchups on New Year’s Eve.
Clemson came into its meeting with Oklahoma as the underdog despite being the top-ranked team in the country. The Tigers, however, didn’t play the part thanks to a rushing attack that racked up 332 yards on the ground and a defense that sacked Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield five times.
“You know, that’s 17 in a row for us. You know, it’s the longest winning streak in the country, and we’ve played a lot of good teams in those 17 games,” Swinney said.
Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott believes the Tigers will be up for the next challenge.
“We know when you make it to the final four, you’re going to play great teams,” Scott said after the Tigers’ win. “We’ve had a tough schedule this year. We’ve been in some big games, and it’s just the next challenge. It’s four more quarters.”
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables thought the key to his group’s success was shutting down Oklahoma’s running attack, something that could be key against an Alabama team that features the nation’s best running back in Derrick Henry.
Alabama, meanwhile, rebounded from last year’s second-half collapse during a loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide throttled Michigan State 38-0 in a game that was over early.
Jake Coker threw for two touchdowns and Henry, the Heisman Trophy winner, added two more on the ground as Alabama nearly doubled the Spartans’ total offensive yards production. The defense held Michigan State to 1.1 yards per carry average on the ground.
“I think last year when we came to this game, we were happy just to take part in the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said following the game. “I think this year we wanted to sort of take the game.”
Swinney wasn’t worried about his team’s focus heading into this week of preparation.
“It shouldn’t be real hard to get guys ready to play for the National Championship. This is it. This is truly the biggest game of the year.”
Ratings drop
Viewers apparently weren’t sold on the idea of sharing their New Year’s Eve with the College Football Playoff as television ratings for both semifinals games were down significantly from last season.
The Cotton Bowl featuring Alabama and Michigan State that kicked off at 8 p.m. earned a 9.9 overnight rating, while the Orange Bowl featuring Clemson and Oklahoma that kicked off at 4 p.m. earned a 9.7 overnight rating.
Those numbers are down nearly 40 percent from last season’s semifinals, which earned record ratings. The Rose Bowl (15.3) featured Oregon and Florida State, and the Sugar Bowl (15.5) showcased Ohio State and Alabama. Both games took place on Jan. 1. This was the first season the semifinals were played on New Year’s Eve. Playoff semifinal games are also scheduled to be played on Dec. 31, 2016.
mmurschel@tribpub.com