No. 1 Clemson (12-1) and No. 4 Alabama (11-1) meet in the Sugar Bowl, giving us the rubber match between the last two national champions.
Here's everything you need to know about the Sugar Bowl matchup between the Tigers and Crimson Tide:
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What
Sugar Bowl
Where
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
When
Monday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m.
How to watch
ESPN, live-stream at WatchESPN
Betting line
Alabama -1.5
Last meeting
Clemson beat Alabama 35-31 on Jan. 1, 2018 in a rematch of the last year's national championship game. The Crimson Tide lead the all-time series 13-4, including the last two national championship games.
Keys to victory
Jalen Hurts vs. Kelly Bryant
Both are dual-threat quarterbacks with a knack for the big play. Hurts hasn't been the best passer this year but has mostly minimized his mistakes with 15 touchdowns and one interception. Bryant has fewer touchdowns (13) and more interceptions (six) but hit his stride against Miami in the ACC championship game, completing his first 15 passes and finishing 23 of 29 for 252 yards and a touchdown. Hurts has been here before — Bryant hasn't. That might be the difference in this game.
Alabama's health
It's no secret injuries took a heavy toll on Alabama this season with the loss of Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Ross Pierschbacher. Hootie Jones suffered a slight MCL tear in Alabama's loss to Auburn. Having Miller, Lewis and Pierschbacher back will definitely be a benefit for the Tide, which hasn't been completely healthy all season. But will that be enough for the Tide to overcome the best team in the country?
Clemson's front seven
Eight players from among Clemson's front seven have at least two sacks, led by Clelin Ferrell (8.5 sacks), Austin Bryant (7.5), Dorian O'Daniel and Christian Wilkins (5.0 apiece). That's not good for an Alabama offensive line that has struggled in pass protection this year and will likely shuffle its players again to achieve the best starting five. If Hurts doesn't have time to thow the ball in the face of Clemson's pass rush, Alabama may have to play from behind early.
MORE: College Football Playoff odds: Who's the favorite?
Bold prediction
Clemson will force one red zone turnover against Alabama.
Early pick
Alabama 27-24. This game comes down to the battle of the trenches. Clemson may have the edge on defense, but it's hard to pick against a Saban-coached Alabama with a month to prepare and five weeks of rest. The Tigers could just as easily win this one.
