For the third time in four seasons, it will be the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Clemson Tigers for the College Football Championship. Both teams have won a title game against the other, and Alabama also beat the Tigers in the semifinals a season ago. Clemson and Alabama have been the top-two teams all season long, and this should be a terrific game.
Alabama outlasted Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl to reach the title game for the fourth straight season. The Crimson Tide have rolled to a perfect 14-0 season while outscoring opponents by an average of 41 points per game. Clemson absolutely dominated Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl to earn another shot against Alabama. The Tigers might be the only team in the country that isn’t afraid of the Crimson Tide. Alabama is a 4.5 point favorite in the title game.
Healthy Tua Leads Bama Offense
Questions surrounded the health of Tua Tagovailoa heading into the Orange Bowl, but he showed how healthy he is. The Crimson Tide were the second highest scoring team in the country during the regular season, averaging over 55 points per game. Tagovailoa threw just three incomplete passes in the semifinal win and has thrown for 37 touchdowns this season. No one has been able to slow down the Alabama offense all season, but that will get tested in this game.
The Alabama defense hasn’t gotten much recognition this season, but they were still a top-5 unit all season long. The Crimson Tide were able to solve Kyler Murray in the Orange Bowl and will face another stud quarterback in this game. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams leads a terrific group of pass rushers that racked up 42 sacks this season. The Crimson Tide defense is good enough to carry the team to a victory if needed.
Clemson Defense Will Be Tested
Speaking of defense, the Clemson Tigers feature one of the best group of defensive players in recent memory. Clemson will once again be without stud defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in this game, but it didn’t matter against Notre Dame. The Tigers allowed just 13.7 points per game during the regular season, and have the ability to put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Clemson must find a way to get to Tua Tagovailoa if they are going to win this game.
Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence leads a terrific offensive attack. Lawrence has completed over 65 percent of his passes this season and also has the ability to make plays with his legs. Running back Travis Etienne is averaging 8.3 yards per carry this season and has found the end zone 21 times. Clemson will face a terrific defense in this game, but they have plenty of offensive weapons.
Tide Roll To Title
Fans have been wanting to see this game all season long, and will finally get it on Monday night. These two teams are extremely familiar with each other, and there will likely be a feeling out process. Clemson has the defense to slow down the Alabama offensive attack, but the Crimson Tide have a stellar defense as well. As long as Nick Saban is still the head coach at Alabama, I’m not betting against his team. Bet the Alabama Crimson Tide -4.5 over the Clemson Tigers.
