Clemson to cover (+5 ½) in the College Football Championship Game

There is absolutely no question who the best two teams are in College Football this season. Alabama and Clemson, both 14-0 face off after resounding victories in their respective semis. Bama took a 28-0 lead over Oklahoma to defeat the defenseless Sooners, 45-34 while Clemson dispatched of the overmatched Fighting Irish 30-3. Notre Dame, with its chump schedule proved being undefeated against the likes of Navy, Ball State and USC does not make you competitive against the big boys in the playoff. ‘Bama proved that Oklahoma is vulnerable to any team that can field 11 guys and a football.

Both the Tide QB Tua Tagovailoa and Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence are top QBs in the country. Tua passed Jalen Hurts on the depth chart but needed Hurts to come in due to injury to hold off Georgia in the Sec Championship game. This game, where Alabama had to come back to win scoring 14 in the final quarter is why I think Clemson will be competitive in this game. Bama does not like to take too many chances airing it out until they are desperate and need to.

The Tigers defense is tough against the run and historically Nick Saban’s teams win by pushing the opponent around on the line. The Tigers will force Tua into longer yardage situations then they are comfortable with and Clemson’s pass rush will make it difficult for the Tide QB to make accurate throws downfield. Clemson’s defense is better than anyone Alabama has seen, even Georgia.
Clemson’s offense is also better than anything Alabama has seen. Lawrence, although a freshman is capable of hitting clutch passes and keeping this game close. It’ll be back and forth all night with these quality teams adjusting every series. We look for the Tigers to have a 4th quarter lead and Bama will put together a late score to put the game away. Saban is like the Belichick of College football, he’s savvy and figures a way to win.

-HB