Clemson-Alabama III: Three keys to victory for both teams

By: Joe Smeltzer 
Hello, all. It's playoff time, and for the third year in a row, the Clemson Tigers are pitted against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Only this time, it's for a trip to the national title game, not for the whole jugular. It's almost Sugar Bowl time. Here are three things that both the Tigers and Tide can do to advance to the national title game for the third year in a row.
Clemson
Key #1: Dominate the line

At 6 ft. 4 and 300 pounds, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is a monster. (Photo creds to Hartford Courant)

The most impressive aspect of Clemson's football team is its defensive line. Celin Ferrell, Dexter Lawerence and Christian Wilkins all could be first-round NFL draft picks when that time comes, and all three of them, along with defensive end Austin Bryant, have dominated opposing offenses all season.

If the Clemson front four wrecks tonight, life won't be good for Jalen Hurts and Alabama's offense. But if the Tide can hold their own up front, it would neutralize a dominant aspect of what makes the Tigers so dangerous.


Key #2: Kelly Bryant is ready

Photo creds to Sporting News

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant knows how to handle pressure. Bryant took over for one of the greatest players in ACC history in DeShaun Watson and filled those shoes well leading the Tigers to this point. But Bryant has never played in a game of this magnitude.

This is the biggest matchup in college football so far and could be even more intriguing than the national championship game. Hurts has started two playoff games before. Bryant has never started one. For Clemson's offense to move the ball, Bryant must be able to handle the pressure. I think he's up for it, but we shall see.

Key #3: Convert on third down (aka find Hunter Renfrow)

Photo creds to Elite Daily

Clemson's offense has had plenty of success on third down this season, ranking eighth in the nation in conversions. A big part of that success has been senior wideout Hunter Renfrow, who although is capable of making big plays, is known primarily as a possession receiver.

Keeping the offense on the field is a huge key in any big matchup like this, and Clemson will be in plenty of third down situations against a solid Alabama defense. Bryant will need to keep his cool in these moments and go to what works, which is throwing to Hunter Renfrow.

Alabama
Key #1: O-Line steps up 

Jonah Williams is ready for a battle (Photo creds to Gridiron Now)

The 'Bama offensive line will face its most daunting task of the season tonight. Center Bradly Bozeman and left tackle Jonah Williams both anchor an O-line that is capable of holding its own. If the Tide's big boys can keep Wilkins, Bryant and Ferrel out of its backfield as often as possible, 'Bama's chances of moving on to the national title game for the third straight season will be significantly enhanced.

Key #2: Hurts takes over

Photo creds to SI.Com

Jalen Hurts has been here before. Last season, he nearly led the Tide to the promised land as a true freshman. But there's a bit of a different feeling in the air this time around.

Alabama isn't what it was a year ago. In 2016, the Tide were number one with a bullet and expected by many to roll to a national title. This year, there is debate over if they should be in the playoffs at all.

Since Alabama's quarterback doesn't have a much talent around him as usual, more is expected of him. If 'Bama is to win this game, Hurts must make a big play. He is capable of doing that with either his arms or legs and maybe he'll have to use both. Whatever the case is, 'Bama's field general must lead his troops if a return to the national title game is possible.

Key #3: Spread the ball around 

Photo creds to Saturday Down South

Alabama's leading receiver, Calvin Ridley, has 896 yards on the season. Next on that list is Jerry Judy, with just 244 yards. So to say that Hurts' options downfield are limited is an understatement.

Relying on Ridley and nobody else won't cut it in the Sugar Bowl. Someway, somehow, Hurts must spread the ball around the field. If he can't do that, Alabama is in trouble. As good as Ridley is, he is just one man, and it's hard to envision knocking off a team like Clemson with only one receiver getting the job done.

Prediction
I will go to my grave defending the decision to put Alabama in the playoffs ahead of Ohio State. One loss is less than two, of course. But I'm riding with the Tigers tonight.

Clemson is the best team in college football. Both its offense and defense can be equally dominating, and I don't see the Tide keeping up with that balance. Clemson's D-line will overpower Alabama, and the offense will score enough to accommodate it. Unlike the past two national title games, I think this Sugar Bowl will be anticlimactic.

Clemson 28, Alabama 17