CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Clemson's D-line is a key to a
Clemson's D-line is a key to a "complete" Tigers team.

ESPN experts predict Clemson-Alabama, national title game


by - Staff Writer -

A healthier Alabama or a complete Clemson?

That’s the debate a panel of ESPN analysts weighed in picking Clemson-Alabama III and the national-title winner in the network’s postseason preview show.

The No. 4 Crimson Tide navigated their schedule to an 11-1 mark through a bevy of injuries – hurt most at linebacker, which didn’t help against in the season-finale with Auburn, a 26-14 road loss.

Clemson’s one misstep came a with a critical injury as well, with starting quarterback Kelly Bryant hampered by an ankle injury and then knocked out early (concussion protocol) in a 27-24 loss at Syracuse.

The Tiger defense has been the constant between the two teams, and that’s why – with varying confidence levels – former Miami linebacker Jonathan Vilma and former Alabama QB Greg McElroy like Clemson.

“The reason why is the in-game adjustments,” said Vilma, who put Clemson among his more safe bets in the bowl season. “We already know the Clemson D-line is better than the Alabama offensive line. We know that the Alabama defensive (line) should be – when healthy – better than Clemson’s offensive line. What I’ve seen is (Alabama offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll not able to adjust on the fly during games.

“I need to see – will Jalen Hurts sit back there, have one read and then run the ball?...We need to see more from that offense. They’re so talented.”

“I think it’s a coin toss,” said McElroy. “Alabama, if they’re healthy and that’s a big if…That alleviates one of the top holes at the second level. I look at Clemson and where you can beat them is potentially through the air and on deep balls. I haven’t seen Jalen Hurts consistently be able to deliver in the regard. I like Clemson. A few less holes, a few less question marks and more of a complete team.

“(Is it the) Alabama (that) had moments where they look completely dominant in the first six weeks of the season – or do they look like they have the last few outings where they haven’t looked all that great?”

Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik gives Alabama the mental edge on its way to another national title.

“I tell you what Alabama will have to do – it’s going to come down to big boy ball,” Chizik said. “It’s going to come down Alabama protecting Jalen Hurts. They did not protect him well against Auburn. He was on the run for his life most of the game…They’re going to have to commit to the running game. They have two healthy backs in Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough.

“They can both go. They’ve got to commit to it and stay with it and work the playaction game off of it. They do that with a healthy defense and they win the game…They come in with a chip on their shoulder and use two words: We. Belong. After all the baloney about Ohio State or us. They’re going to come in and say, we are the champs, come in healthy and win it all.”

For the championship, McElroy picked Clemson over Oklahoma, while Vilma took the Tigers over Georgia.

“That’s the one I feel best about,” Vilma said of Clemson in the New Year’s Six bowls. “I think Clemson is a better team. Clemson wins it all in a very tight game with Georgia.”

“I think Clemson is the most complete team,” said McElroy. “That defensive line is off the charts.”

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Brandon Rink: Email | Comment
Spencer earns sixth victory as Tigers run-rule Eagles
Spencer earns sixth victory as Tigers run-rule Eagles
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
Post your comments!