WAYNE ROOT
Millionaires---Alabama
Alabama defeated Clemson in a thrilling 45-40 contest in last year’s National Championship game. Then Clemson crushed Ohio St to move into the Championship Game and the Alabama defense was phenomenal once again in the Peach Bowl, holding the tenth-ranked Washington offense to only seven points to join Clemson. Alabama may have answers for Deshaun Watson in the rematch.The Crimson Tide feature the country’s number 1 rated defense, now conceding an average of only 11.4 points per game. For the Tigers, QB Watson takes plenty of chances and relies on his receivers to make plays deep down the field, and while he’ll win his share of battles, he’ll make mistakes, too, getting picked 17 times on the year and may add to that total with the forecast of cold and windy conditions. Trying to balance the run and pass will be somewhat difficult for the Clemson offense. The 2016 Alabama D is far better at making plays behind the line, it’s got a far better pass rush, and it just doesn’t allow any big runs so it's all on Watson's arm. But...keep in mind Alabama has 12 defensive touchdowns this season, which is more than some entire offenses. Watson turnover problems are a concern against this dominant Tide defense. Alabama’s defense allows 62.4 rushing yards per game. Unless the Tigers can rush the football, Alabama’s defensive backs are prepared to sit in a zone and check all Clemson’s receivers. For Alabama, it'll be 5 yards and a cloud of dust. With Lane Kiffin gone, watch the offense push the envelope with Steve Sarkisian calling the plays. He might have his offense go deep a time or two. With the wind expected to be blowing, look for Bama running backs Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, and Joshua Jacobs to get their share of carries in this game for good yardage. If Scarbrough has a repeat performance of his last contest, then Alabama is going to be very tough to beat. With that said, talent will be flooding the field in this showdown. Although Scarbrough alone likely can’t carry the Crimson Tide to a victory over the Tigers, look for him to rush for 100-plus yards yet again. The Crimson Tide have yet to lose a game, they are the defending national champs and Saban doesn’t typically lose on the big stage. The man has five national championships to his name.