Game Preview
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
When: 8:00 PM ET
Spread: Alabama -6.5
Over/Under: 51
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN2 & ESPN Radio, also simulcast on WatchESPN
The Rundown
We have ourselves a unique national title game; the first rematch in college football history in a national title game. Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney bring their squads into Tampa Bay seeking to solidfy their programs further. Saban is seeking his fifth national title at Alabama and his sixth overall. With this win, Saban would tie Alabama coaching legend Bear Bryant for the most national titles of any coach.
Alabama brings with them one of the most respected defenses in recent history. A squad led by Reuben Foster, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Allen, and Tim Williams have been touted as possibly the best Alabama defense in the program’s history. The Tide defense has ranked in the top five in practically every defensive category and went over a month without giving up an offensive touchdown. The streak went from their October matchup against Texas A&M all the way to the SEC Title game against Florida. While the offense was less than stellar in their 24-7 Peach Bowl win over Washington, the defense proved just how stellar it was.
Clemson are on the other side of the coin. The Tigers are led by Senior QB Deshaun Watson and come off an impressive 31-0 drubbing of Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Watson has a myriad of offensive weapons including running back Wayne Gallman and wide receivers Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Artavis Scott, Deon Cain, and tight end Jordan Leggett. With all of these offensive weapons, Swinney’s crew have scored an average of 39.5 points per game and 503 yards per game.
DSN Predictions
Ryan Griffin: 42-41 Alabama
Joseph Bernhardt: 28-14 Alabama
Jeff Bilbrey: 34-14 Alabama
Don Drysdale: 31-20 Alabama
Alex Muller: 34-24 Alabama
Paul Rochon: 34-17 Alabama
AJ Reilly 27-24 Clemson
D. Dylan Bair: 35-31 Clemson
Who’s gonna win the national title, Nation?
