Clemson-Alabama preview and prediction

Clemson offense vs. Alabama Defense
The Tigers have formidable skill players, no matter what league they play in. C.J. Spiller leaving the Auburn Tigers in the dust in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl proved that.

Despite Spiller’s 83 yard jaunt the Tigers had trouble moving the ball against Auburn gaining only 106 yards on the 39 other carries (2.7 ypc). Some of those issues were probably related to Cullen Harper not being full strength coming off shoulder surgery, but Clemson has to be concerned about moving the ball against a big, physical SEC defense.

The Tide gave up 3.4 yards per carry last year and while they return 5 of their top 6 defensive linemen, the one loss was huge – Wallace Gilberry accounted for 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

The Alabama linebackers are a concern when you face a team with a short passing game like Clemson. Injuries, suspensions, and arrests have left this group a huge question mark for the Tide. Expect Clemson to exploit this area.

The Tide has a decent secondary, but lost two starters including All-SEC performer Simeon Castille. Alabama has young, but unproven talent. Clemson’s starting receivers are veteran and experienced.

Clemson may have some trouble running the ball with an inexperienced, though talented offensive line. Look for Alabama to do what has worked for other teams – stop the run first and force the Tigers to pass. A healthy Harper and a healthy Jacoby Ford will make a huge difference, and let’s face it – Alabama ain’t Auburn.


Clemson defense vs. Alabama Offense
John Parker Wilson doesn’t scare many defenses and he won’t scare the Tigers, though word is Wilson is thriving in the Tide’s new offense. Despite the loss of Rashaad Jackson to injury the Tigers remain a stout defensive unit returning 7 starters (not including Jackson). Jackson will be replaced by two serviceable former 4 star recruits in Jamie Cumbie and Jarvis Jenkins.

The Alabama offensive line is the strength of their offense and is a very good group, led by left tackle Andre Smith. Terry Grant had a solid freshman year at Alabama and will thrive as a receiver out of the backfield in the new offensive scheme, which brings us to the Clemson linebackers.

Much like with Alabama, a big question mark for the Tigers is at linebacker. All three starters are gone for the Tigers, leaving a talented, but inexperienced group of young players. The play of this group is a key for the Tigers defense. The potential is there, but so is youth and inexperience.

Clemson has solid, if not spectacular, defensive backs that few have heard of outside of the ACC. The Tide lost 3 of their top receivers, but also have three very talented freshman to replace them, including Julio Jones. The question is will this group make an impact in game 1 or game 6?

Special Teams
Leigh Tiffin is an excellent kicker, making 25-34 FGs last year including 2 over 50 yards. Mark Buccholz was inconsistent for Clemson outside of 45 yards, but has a chance to improve now that he is focusing solely on football.

Senior Jimmy Maners is in a battle for his job with freshman Dawson Zimmerman at Clemson, and it’s all about hang time. P.J. Fitzgerald is a good punter for Alabama.

The bad news for Clemson is that the Tigers allowed over 14 yards per punt return last year and Javier Arenas is a good one for Alabama. The Tigers also finished 88th nationally in kickoff return defense and guess who returns kickoffs? Javier Arenas. Advantage Alabama.

Clemson has speed on their end when returning punts and kicks, so the potential is there for huge plays for both teams in this area.

Coaches
Tommy Bowden vs. Nick Saban. Advantage Saban, especially with an offseason to prepare. Bowden needs to be on his game, put his team in a position to win and let his stars shine at crunch time.

What happens?
Clemson’s young offensive line struggles to open holes for Davis and Spiller against an improving SEC team. Cullen Harper uses short passes effectively to move the Tigers down field. Clemson’s ball control, don’t turn the ball over, offensive scheme eventually wears down the Alabama defense to allow some type of running game.

Alabama meanwhile is able to move the ball on the ground against Clemson with a veteran offensive line and a good stable of running backs, but Clemson’s pass defense stops Wilson and the Tide offense from creating big plays.

It’s game one, so look for big special team plays – perhaps from both sides.

In the end, Clemson’s experienced play makers do just enough for the Tigers to hold on against a young but improving Alabama team.

Final: Clemson 20 Alabama 16