About Clemson: Quarterback DeShaun Watson (4.64 40-speed) finished 2nd in the Heisman Trophy voting and is a big play threat with his legs and cannon arm. Running back Wayne Gallman (4.52 40-speed) piled up 1,087 yards behind an inconsistent offensive line for 5.1 yards per carry. The receiving corps doesn’t receive a lot of press but they are a very sound unit with 6’1″ 212 wideout Mike Williams (4.52 40-speed) hauling in 90 catches. The Tigers defense ranked 8th in yards 7th in points allowed and appears to have peaked at the end of the season. Special teams are solid with kicker Greg Huegel possessing 50-yard range. Get a $250 Sign Up to bet on Alabama vs Clemson Odds Bonus when you sign up at Bovada.LV
About Alabama: 18-year old QB Jalen Hurts (4.65 40-speed) has been a playmaker in the ball-control styled offense with 34 combined touchdowns. Hurts likes to target projected 1st round tight end O.J. Howard (6’7″ 242 Lbs. 4.57 40 speed) early and often. The running game has been dominant averaging 246.7 yards per game behind a bullish offensive line that averages 310 lbs. All three levels of the Crimson Tide’s top ranked defense have been outstanding with defensive line depth the biggest strength. The Tide’s defense is arguably one of the best defenses in college football history with 6-7 potential NFL draft picks. A shorthanded special teams crew has been very good with excellent coverage units and kicker Eddie Griffith able to connect from 55-yards. Alabama vs Clemson Odds have Clemson as +205 moneyline underdogs ($100 Bet Pays Out $305) at BOVADA.LV
Bottom Line: Even though Clemson’s defense ranked 7th in points allowed on defense the Crimson Tide defense is several weight classes heavier. Last year’s rematch came down to the wire with Alabama’s special teams proving to be the difference. This year expect the Tide to win with brute force on defense and power running on offense. The Clemson running game will have trouble kicking into gear behind an erratic O-line facing a defense that allows 2.0 yards per carry. The Tide rolls to a consecutive title in their 28th straight win.
2017 National Championship Picks: Alabama -6.5
Alabama vs Clemson Predictions: 60% Clemson +6.5
Date: 1/9/17
Time: 8 PM ET
Location: Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN
Spread: Alabama -6.5
Over/Under: 51.0
2017 Nation Championship Picks Clemson vs Alabama Predictions
Coach: Ala +1
QB: Clemson +4
HB: Alabama +2
OL: Alabama +1
WR: Alabama +1
Defense: Alabama +6
Special Teams: Alabama +1
Intangibles: Alabama +1
Home Field: –
Weather: –
2017 National Championship Picks: Alabama -9