Clemson vs Alabama Full Game Replay 1/9/2017 CFP National Championship
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Clemson vs Alabama Full Game Replay 2017 CFP National Championship NCAA College Football
Date: January 9, 2017
Season: 2016
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
Location: Tampa, Florida
Referee: Mike Defee (Big 12)
Attendance: 74,512
Clemson Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide 2017 What to Watch:
With an eye toward excellence, the Alabama Crimson Tide make their comeback to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. When the Clemson Tigers onto the field, they had two objectives in mind: to win their second national championship in school history and to get revenge for the one setback they suffered the year before.
According to CBS Sports rankings, the two programs will feature a total of 16 players who were rated in the first through fourth rounds of the draft. Security Eddie Jackson was ranked in the middle, but he will not compete because of a leg injury. Both teams are flooded with NFL-caliber talent, even though Round 2 between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will feature some new faces.
With Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Deshaun Watson making one final attempt at the national championship before turning pro, the Tigers will feature the most decorated collegiate player in the country this time around. As top-10 selections, a few Alabama players might be mentioned before Watson.
According to SEC Country reporter Marq Burnett, Alabama head coach Nick Saban effectively changed his team's strategy until he revealed a week ago that Steve Sarkisian would replace Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator.
What can we anticipate from Sarkisian?
The three-headed monster in the backfield will be fed by Saban's new offensive guru, who has experience with both Southern California and Washington. Joshua Jacobs had a 100-yard performance against Kentucky, so don't discount him.
During the first eight weeks of the season, running back Damien Harris recorded four 100-yard performances; however, over the last three games, Bo Scarbrough has taken the lead. He has scored four touchdowns in the last two games and carried for at least 90 yards in the last three games.
When attacking Clemson's run defense, which gave up 123.1 yards per game all season, Sarkisian will have a number of options.
Saban can identify exactly what went wrong and what succeeded against Clemson's offensive staff by watching the footage from last year's championship game. To get a sense of wide receiver Mike Williams, who missed the previous CFP National Championship due to a neck injury, he will need to watch this year's game footage.
On the perimeter, the Watson-Williams combination will undoubtedly present the Crimson Tide with a fresh physical test. Particularly in the red zone, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound playmaker uses physical power to create separation.
Williams will try to give as much as he receives when battling for a jump ball downfield, but Saban's defense usually exhibits speed and strength to wear down opponents.
Other wide receivers Jordan Leggett and Deon Cain might be able to grab a few deep throws over the top if Alabama shifts additional coverage to Williams' side of the field. Each reception for both receivers averages over 15 yards.
Six of the nine Alabama players who are anticipated to be selected in the early to mid-rounds of the draft will start on defense against Clemson. Alabama held Washington's No. 8 scoring offense to seven points during the Peach Bowl.
Alabama's renowned defense gave up an average of 62.4 running yards per game throughout the season. The Tigers could need to come up with innovative ways to get Wayne Gallman, their running back, to produce.
Luckily for Clemson, Watson makes teams respect the run attack regardless of backfield performance. Over the previous two games, he ran the ball 32 times for 142 yards and four touchdowns.
Watson must refrain from presenting Alabama with additional gifts when attacking from the air. He made several interceptions in just three games last season. He has lost one to Pittsburgh in November, but he has thrown three interceptions this season and found himself in a shootout.
It's crucial to take measured chances, but head coach Dabo Swinney shouldn't push his signal-caller to be cautious. Momentum might change with a short field, particularly if Alabama scores touchdowns off of turnovers.
