College Football Playoff Rematch

 
For the second straight year in a college football playoff championship game, Alabama and Clemson will face off on Jan. 9.
The last time these two teams did so in 2016, the score was 45-40 in Alabama’s favor. Alabama’s running back and Heisman winner Derrick Henry rushed for 158 yards and scored three touchdowns, while quarterback and one of the Heisman Finalists Deshaun Watson threw for 405 yards passing and aired out 4 touchdowns and only 1 interception. According to al.com’s Michael Casagrande, Alabama still has an estimated 7 point lead over Clemson, in what should be an even game from both sides of the ball.
According to ESPN, Alabama is ranked #1 and has one of the best defenses in the nation, while #2 Clemson has one of the best offenses. On paper Alabama is ranked 45 on offense, while their defense has been the key to winning. As for Clemson, their offense is ranked 12 in the nation and defense is ranked 8.
If Clemson wants to win they need to have a balance attack on offense, and not commit as many turnovers as they did in their semifinal game against Ohio State. As for Alabama, the key for them to win is to make sure the secondary can keep up with Clemson’s fast and talented wide receivers.