Earlier today I wrote the 3 reasons why Clemson would beat Alabama, but this is Alabama. They are the current standard in college football. What are the 3 reasons they will be hoisting up another national championship trophy?
1) Nick Saban
A couple of years ago after Urban Meyer and Ohio State beat Alabama and went on to win the national title, I though Meyer has surpassed Saban as college football’s top coach. Nope… All Nick Saban has done is win 28 of his next 29 games, and basically reduced the once great SEC to rubble with ruthless efficiency. Dabo Swinney is a great coach, but Saban is working on being the best of all time.
At Alabama he’s won 4 of the last 7 national titles. He knows how to prepare for these type games and he knows how to win them. It’s awfully hard to pick against a coach with his track record.
2) That Alabama defensive line
Alabama has another spectacular defensive line, that might be better than last year’s outstanding unit. Do you know what’s not better? Clemson’s offensive line. The Tide only give up 62 yards of rushing a game, last season it was 75. Clemson ranked 62nd in the country in rushing. Last season the Tigers were 21st. Those are trends going in wrong direction. The Tigers don’t have to be able to run for huge numbers, but if they can’t run at all I’m not sure they’ll hold up pass protection either over the course of the game.
Clemson’s seen a few good D-Line’s like Auburn and FSU, but nothing like what Alabama can bring.
3) Deshaun Watson Turnovers
Deshaun Watson for as good as he’s been has thrown 17 interceptions this year. He has 7 in his last 5 games. He’s been turnover prone, and that’s a fact. Watson has a tendency to try and force some passes. That’s part of his confidence, but against Alabama they could be game changers. I think Watson can survive one turnover, but if he has multiple turnovers Clemson probably isn’t winning the game.
Alabama has the number 1 defense in the country with a penchant for scoring defensive TDs. Is Deshaun Watson capable of playing a mostly mistake free game? This will be his toughest challenge to do so.
