No. 1 Alabama (14-0) meets No. 2 Clemson (13-1) in the third College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
The Crimson Tide have the opportunity to repeat as national champions, win their fifth title under Nick Saban and claim the 17th in program history. Alabama reached this year's title game with a 24-7 victory over Washington in the Peach Bowl.
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Clemson is trying to end Alabama’s run and win its first national championship since 1981. The Tigers also are trying to avenge last year’s 45-40 loss to the Crimson Tide in the championship game.
Here is all the need-to-know-information about the matchup:
Time, TV channel, online streaming
When: Monday, Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
TV: ESPN
Online: Watch ESPN
All-time series
Alabama extended its advantage in the all-time series to 13-3 with the victory in last year’s championship game, and Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is 3-0 against Clemson since taking over in Tuscaloosa.
Coaching matchup
Alabama and Clemson have been the two best programs in the FBS the past two seasons. The Crimson Tide are 28-1 since the start of the 2015 season and have won 26 consecutive games. Clemson is 27-2 and looking to complete its second straight 14-1 season. Saban and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney have led their respective programs to 10-plus wins each of the past six seasons. These are the only two Power 5 programs that can say that.
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One big thing for Clemson
It has been well-documented that Deshaun Watson torched Alabama for 405 passing yards and 73 rushing yards in last year’s championship game, a performance that has some wondering if he can lead the Tigers to the upset this time. What’s the key? Watson must spread the ball to his receivers. In last year’s game, five different Clemson receivers had a catch of 20 yards or more. Remember, Mike Williams didn’t play in that game. If Watson can do that, then the Tigers will be in good shape.
One big thing for Alabama
Who else could it be? Steve Sarkisian will serve as offensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin and Saban “mutually agreed” to part ways this week. Alabama ran the ball 61.2 percent of the time this season and averaged 5.7 yards per carry doing it, so those should be the target numbers for Sark in this game. That won’t be easy. Alabama averaged 3.0 yards per carry in last year’s win, and that was with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry in the backfield.
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Clemson can’t . . .
Let Alabama get the momentum with one of those patented non-offensive touchdowns. Alabama have 11 defensive TDs and four return TDs coming into this game, and Ryan Anderson’s pick six helped the Crimson Tide put away Washington in the Peach Bowl. The Tigers’ lone loss this season, to Pittsburgh, was a result of not being able to run the ball (2.0 yards per carry) and penalties (nine for 101 yards). If those two trends emerge again, then expect the Crimson Tide to make that game-changing defensive play.
Alabama can’t . . .
Be too conservative with freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. Coordinator change or not, the Crimson Tide had 200 passing yards or fewer in seven games this season. That came to a head against the Huskies. Hurts won big games on the road this season, but in those four SEC tests he averaged 172.5 passing yards and 103 rushing yards. If Clemson can make Hurts one-dimensional — Washington did, no matter who is to blame — then the Tide might be in trouble.
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Position to watch
Remember the tight ends in last year’s game? Alabama's O.J. Howard had five catches for 208 yards and two TDs; Clemson’s Jordan Leggett had five catches for 78 yards and a TD. Chances are both teams are aware of the impact the position can have. How will they try to create an encore?
Stat that matters
There are pass rushers all over the place in this game. Alabama has players with four sacks or more, including Jonathan Allen (9.5), Tim Williams (9.0), Ryan Anderson (7.5) and Reuben Foster (4.0). Same goes for Clemson, with Carlos Watkins (10.5), Dexter Lawrence (6.5), Clelin Ferrell (6.0) and Ben Boulware (4.0). Which team can get home on the quarterback more?
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Clemson sleeper
Hunter Renfrow. Williams and Leggett are the difference-makers in the receiving corps, but Renfrow made a difference in last year’s game, too, and is a chain-mover who keeps drives alive. Don’t be surprised if Renfrow is a frequent target for Watson in the first half.
Alabama sleeper
Ronnie Harrison. Same concept here, except on the defensive side. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey get more attention in the secondary, but Harrison is around the football (seven passes defensed, two fumble recoveries). He’ll get chances to make a few big plays.
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Prediction
Believe it or not, this game will be more entertaining than last year’s shootout. Watson will make big plays. Alabama will settle into a rhythm with Hurts and Sarkisian. Both teams might be tight early, but the action will heat up in the second quarter. This will live to the billing as a great championship game, but the difference, as it has been all season, will be the Crimson Tide’s defense; it will make that game-changing play in crunch time. That will propel Alabama to yet another national championship under Saban. Final: Alabama 28, Clemson 24
