KELSEY PHARIS
Today at 6:30 p.m. the top two college football teams in the United States face off in Glendale, Ariz. at the University of Phoenix Stadium where the Arizona Cardinals play and where last year’s Super Bowl was held.
Clemson is ranked No. 1 in the nation as they go into the championship game undefeated. After their domination over Oklahoma University in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Eve it is surprising that, according the ESPN, Alabama is a favorite to win. Many people believe that no team could possibly go undefeated throughout their entire season.
However, with their solid rush defense they should be able to stop the Heisman Trophy Winner Derrick Henry. Although their line is solid and their pass defense is almost as good, the Tigers will have to make sure not to let themselves get too spread out horizontally, causing for gaps in the middle of the field that could let some of Alabama’s receivers get open and complete long passes down field.
With this being said, Alabama’s defense is not to be forgotten. Since their sole loss against Auburn during the third week of the regular season, the team has not allowed more than five average yards per play nor given up more than 16 points (not including the game against Texas A&M where they scored 23 points). Alabama’s defense is able to stop rushing yards, cover the passes and force quarterbacks to make long throws downfield that they are unable to complete most of the time.
Alabama also has one of the best college coaches in the history of college coaches, Nick Saban. Not only is his record 190-60-1, but he also has been named coach of the year twice (in 2003 and 2008). He has also led the Crimson Tide to three national championship in the years 2009, 2011 and 2012.
Although this game is sure to be one for the record books, I believe that the undefeated Clemson Tigers will be able to overpower Alabama’s run game and defense because of their strong offensive and defensive lines. As well as the fact that even though they are ranked No.1 in the country they are still coming into the game as a seven point underdog giving them a chip on their shoulder.
According to a poll that was run on the Vista Now Twitter, Clemson is also favored to win by students.
If they do win, it will be the first time since the 2013 Florida State Seminoles that an undefeated team went all the way to victory.
