National Championship Preview

Ah sequels. You either love them or you hate them, there is no middle ground. Now we finally have a sequel that isn't controlled by writers in Hollywood, but perhaps has just as much drama.

Drama!

For the first time in Nick Saban's tenure and maybe his whole life, there's drama surrounding the Alabama program. Lane Kiffin has been controversial for a long period now, but nothing has compared to the move he's making to FAU. We have known for a while now that he won't be in Tuscaloosa next year, but it wasn't until after Kiffin seemed to half ass the CFP semifinal game both sides agreed the best decision was to part ways and let Steve Sarkisian become the OC immediately. Even Jalen Hurts said that he is not even close to being as used to working with Sarkisian as he was with Kiffin. Not what you want for a true freshman about to play the biggest game of his life. Not to mention Hurts has to face the defense that just held Urban Meyer scoreless for the first time in his coaching career.

Feed the Big Men

Last year Alabama's OJ Howard was the offensive player of the game in last season's contest after going for 208 yards and 2 TDs on only 5 catches. On the other side Clemson's Jordan Leggett had a touchdown and 78 yards on 5 catches. OJ Howard wasn't expected to be such a big threat this year, but don't expect Clemson to get burned with the same strategy. Still, the tight ends are perhaps some of the best weapons each team has and yet again they are being overlooked, by Mike Williams and Bo Scarbrough respectively. If both teams were smart, they would look to go back to the pieces that worked for them last year.

New Weapons On Both Sides

Last year Deshaun Watson walked into this game with one hand tied behind his back, he didn't have Mike Williams the best WR in the nation or Deon Cain another strong receiver. On the other hand Alabama brings in true freshman Jalen Hurts which brings a new aspect to the Alabama offense with his ability to run the ball in a RPO or Read Option plays. In the backfield with him is Bo Scarbrough, who exploded onto the scene in the semifinal after being the secondary running back for most of the year,

3rd Down Is The Key

One of the most phenomenal stats I've seen in my life; Clemson has a 57% conversion rate on 3rd and 9. The national average on 3rd and 2? 60%. Clemson on 3rd and 9 is nearly as good as the rest of the nation on 3rd and 2. However Alabama is the best defensive team on 3rd down. Alabama opponents on 3rd and 4 convert 13% of the time. 13% is the national average for conversion on 3rd and 14! This game will be decided on 3rd down and whatever team will be able to make the big plays there will have success.

Gambling

Spread: Alabama -6.5

O/U: 51.5

My Pick:

Clemson is out for blood, even though Nick Saban has managed to convince his team they are underdogs, and they have the best player in the country on their side. I think Watson and the Tigers can outscore a struggling Bama offense, in a polar opposite of last years game, a low scoring affair. 

Clemson 28, Alabama 23.