The top-ranked, undefeated Clemson Tigers meet the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide Monday night in Glendale, Ariz., for a chance at winning the National Championship. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is looking for his fifth National Championship, and his fourth since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2007. The Tigers haven't won a National Championship since the 1982 Orange Bowl, and head coach Dabo Swinney is looking to bring his first national title to Clemson.
The Tigers average the 11th most yards per game in college football, and sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson can get it done both in the air and on the ground. The Heisman finalist has thrown for 3,699 yards this season, and also rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Watson drives the Tigers offense, and is clearly one of the most talented players at the quarterback position in the collegiate game today.
The Tigers have plenty of talent on offense, and sophomore running back Wayne Gallman has been consistent for Clemson's offense this season. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back is difficult to tackle, but also has burst speed to break runs to the second level. Gallman is coming off an incredible performance in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma in which he rushed for 150 yards and scored two touchdowns. The Tigers running back faces his toughest challenge Monday night though, as there is no tougher team to move the ball on the ground against in the Crimson Tide.
The Tigers have made it to this point because they are dominant on both sides of the ball, and are ranked seventh in the nation on defense, holding opponents to just 296 yards per game. Clemson should get a huge boost on defense in the return of Shaq Lawson after he left the Orange Bowl with a knee injury, but the Tigers clearly have plenty of playmakers outside of Lawson. The defensive end is one of the best at his position in the country, and has 22.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. Swinney will need his defense to get behind the line of scrimmage against the Crimson Tide, as he knows his team is facing the best running back in the country.
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry has dominated the college football nation this season, and is looking to cap his amazing junior year with a National Championship. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound back has rushed for 2,061 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. Henry is load to bring down, and Clemson's defense will need to gang tackle to try and slow him down. Alabama's offense runs through Henry, and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin uses the run game to open holes in the passing game.
Alabama's offense clearly implements a run-first team mentality, but their senior quarterback Jake Coker has proven down the stretch of this season that he can get it done with his arm if needed. In both the Cotton Bowl against Michigan State, and the SEC Championship game against Florida, Coker thew for more 200 yards and two touchdowns - with no interceptions. The Crimson Tide senior quarterback has played his best football at the most important time this season, and will look to lead his team to a National Championship on Monday.
While Alabama's offense has been dominant at times this season, it's truly their defense that separates them from other teams. The Crimson Tide finished second in the nation in terms of points allowed per game (14), and are coming off a performance where they just shut out Big Ten Champions Michigan State. Senior linebacker Reggie Ragland is the leader on the field for the Crimson Tide, and is just one of the many talented defensive players Alabama's defense is loaded with. Ragland has recorded 97 total tackles this season, and can make plays against both the run and pass.
The undefeated Clemson Tigers against the perennial powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide provides fans with an exciting college football National Championship, and is loaded with plenty of college football's brightest stars.
Where To Watch: ESPN at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Online Live Stream: click here.
Clemson Tigers Radio Broadcasts: click here.
Alabama Crimson Tide Radio Broadcast: click here.
