2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Picks & Predictions: Clemson Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Picks & Predictions: Clemson Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: For the second year in a row, the Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Last year, the Crimson Tide won a classic, outlasting the Tigers 45-40. This time around, the Crimson Tide are 6.5-point favorites in the championship rematch.

The Tigers survived somewhat of a shaky regular season to reach the College Football Playoff, but they looked sharp in a 31-0 rout of Ohio State in the semifinals. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is the headliner for this team, and when he is dialed in, he is as good as any player in the country. Receiver Mike Williams is a big-play, go-to target, and Wayne Gallman is a solid counterpunch in the backfield. Defensively, Clemson relies on a speedy unit that ranked second in the country in sacks.

Alabama’s paths to another title game included a perfect regular season and a dominant 24-7 win over Washington in the semifinals. The Crimson Tide defense has been historically great, and Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams are just a few of stars leading the unit. Offensively, quarterback Jalen Hurts has held his own as a freshman starter, and his scrambling ability has made up for his inconsistencies as a passer. The power ground game is still this team’s bread and butter, and Alabama ran over the Huskies on its way to the rematch with Clemson.

The Tigers Win If:

If Clemson is going to win this game, they have to slow down Alabama’s rushing attack on early downs. If the Crimson Tide are able to line up and run the ball every down, the Tigers have no chance. On the flip side, Hurts has looked shaky at times, and Clemson’s pass rush could cause the freshman major issues, especially if he is forced into obvious passing situations. Offensively, Watson needs to repeat his incredible performance from last year’s game. He is the most talented offensive player on the field, and he needs to play like. It will also help if Clemson’s receivers can consistently to win one-on-one matchups on the outside. If this game comes down to which quarterback can make the most plays, Watson and company should be able to come out on top.

The Crimson Tide Win If:

Since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s recipe for success has been winning the battle in the trenches. The formula for success is no different in this game. If Alabama is able to establish its power running game, it is going to allow them to control the clock, wear down Clemson’s defense and put Hurts in position to make comfortable throws. On the defensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide need to pressure the pocket consistently, forcing the sometimes mistake-prone Watson into a turnover or two. Equally as important, Alabama needs to limit the big plays Watson is able to generate with his legs. If Alabama is able to lean on its running game and can keep Watson uncomfortable, they should methodically power to another national title.

The Bottom Line:

As good as Alabama has been this season, the win over Washington was a reminder of this team’s offensive limitations. Hurts is still only a freshman, and in big games against good defenses, the Crimson Tide have gone conservative, just look at their 10-0 win over LSU. I expect a run-heavy strategy from the Crimson Tide Monday night, especially after an early-than-expected departure from offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Meanwhile, Watson showed last year than he can out up points against Alabama, and while I think this year’s defense is even better, Watson is still going to make some plays. Saban is going to try to win this game with his defense and power running game, and although it might certainly work, I’ll take Watson and company with nearly a touchdown’s worth of points. I expect the rematch to go down to the wire.

Prediction: Clemson Tigers (+6.5) Cover the Spread

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