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CFP Championship Preview: #1 Alabama vs. #2 Clemson

By Eric Robinson

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers reacts in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers reacts in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 01: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with Christian Miller #47 after sacking Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs (not pictured) in the first half during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 01: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with Christian Miller #47 after sacking Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs (not pictured) in the first half during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Alabama’s Keys To Victory 

Trio Of Rushers: It’s really ‘pick your poison’ when it comes to the run game for Alabama. You can either choose to see the team’s leading rusher on the season (Damien Harris), the power back who leads the team in yards per carry (Najee Harris), or the versatile “scat back” who leads the team in rushing touchdowns (Joshua Jacobs).

The trio combined for 191 rushing yards in the Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma. On the season, Alabama averages 202 rushing yards per game and thanks to this interchangeable triumvirate of running backs, the Tide have rushed for over 150 yards in seven of their last nine games played. It’s an element that goes unnoticed at times but can make a case to be the engine of the offense.

Protecting Tagovailoa: As the regular season came to end, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was noticeably banged up and it especially showed in the SEC Championship game when he suffered an ugly ankle injury after dealing with a knee problem for most of the season.

The rehab and treatment on that ankle received plenty of attention leading up to the Orange Bowl and Tagovailoa looked a little better. Not quite 100% but gradually improved. The Oklahoma pass rush was not much to test the lefty quarterback and his ankle issue but this Clemson defense does.

While Clemson may be without their massive nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, they still possess the likes of Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, and Christian Wilkins. The three are well-deserved All-Americans this season and will look to get after Tagovailoa early and often. Alabama must keep their crafty passer clean against this aggressive group that is the Clemson defensive line.

Getting To Lawrence: Alabama’s defense will have another task on their hands against an offense that is dynamic and able to score points at will. In the semifinal, Alabama had to defend against Heisman winner Kyler Murray and the Oklahoma offense.

The defense was able to record three sacks and two quarterback hurries. They were able to fluster Murray enough for the dual-threat to not feel comfortable at all. The same will have to occur against Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence.

The Clemson offense has only allowed 17 sacks on the season but Alabama is fifth in the FBS in sacks with 45. This is a biggest game in Lawrence’s young career as a true freshman. The Crimson Tide defense must pressure Lawrence often which can lead to mistakes by the young quarterback and/or a limited Clemson offense.

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