College Football Playoff National Championship Game: Picks
PHOENIX — It’s finally here, the game we’ve all been waiting for.
While many might not have picked Clemson and Alabama to be playing for the title, it’s clear these are the nation’s two best teams.
So who’s going to win?
Well, the Dr. Saturday crew took one last stab at predicting the future and using logic, rhetoric, stats and coin flipping to determine the national champion.
Graham: It’s easy to look at Alabama and call this game in the Tide’s favor.
They have a fantastic defensive front — the best in the country. They have the Heisman Trophy winner in running back Derrick Henry. Quarterback Jake Coker came into his own during the College Football Playoff semifinal last week and had career-highs in completions, attempts and passing yards to help the Tide win the game.
But Clemson isn’t going to be wowed by all of that and said as much this week when meeting with the media. This is a Clemson team that has played in some close contests and gutted out wins. It’s not going to roll over for the Tide and this could be one of the more entertaining games of the year. The keys for the Tigers will be figuring out how to get quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Wayne Gallman going in the running game. If they can do that, then game on. If not, this contest will be over quickly.
I’m banking on Clemson figuring out a way to make this game competitive, but it’s hard not to be awestruck by the way Alabama has played since it loss to Ole Miss. I like the Tide, but it’s not going to be a walk.
Alabama 24, Clemson 17.
Nick: I want to keep riding the Clemson train. This team is clearly very loose and it’s apparent it believes that, despite being undefeated and No. 1 in the College Football Playoff, it’s the team that has nothing to lose Monday night.
And I think Clemson proves that early. Don’t be shocked at all when the Tigers lead at halftime 17-13. But will that lead last throughout the second half? That’s where I have my doubts.
Clemson players mentioned Saturday how Boston College had to sell out to stop the run, opening up the pass game for Deshaun Watson. Boston College is the only team that’s come close to Alabama in rush defense in 2015. But Boston College is not Alabama. The Tide won’t have to sell out to stop Clemson’s rushing game. That limits the times Deshaun Watson can go over the top of the Alabama defense, and it hurts Clemson that wide receiver Deon Cain isn’t available for this game.
To beat Alabama, you have to hit some big plays. I think Clemson can do it. I’m just not sure Clemson will do it. The Tide pull away late, but this isn’t anything like the Orange or Cotton Bowls. You won’t want to turn it off early in the fourth quarter.
Alabama 27, Clemson 20.
Sam: After watching that thorough beatdown of Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, I have a hard time picking against Alabama.
Earlier in the year, I thought Jake Coker would keep the Tide from reaching this point, but he has proven me wrong, Coker was excellent against the Spartans and is completing nearly 75 percent of his passes over Alabama’s last four games. Oh, and he hasn’t thrown an interception in that span either.
But Coker isn’t the reason I’m picking Alabama. Heisman winner Derrick Henry and star wideout aren’t either. It’s Alabama’s defense that will be the difference. The Tide will force Clemson QB Deshaun Watson to win the game with his arm. He’s an extremely capable passer, but has a tendency to force the ball into traffic a few times a game. That will ultimately be Clemson’s undoing.
Alabama 31, Clemson 20.
