Still can't believe Bama didn't cover the TT. Glad I didn't over-bet it.
4* Clemson +6 Not going to pay the extra juice for the 7 here since I think Clemson has a decent chance to win here. I just can't see Clemson getting punked in this game. They DO play better the bigger the game.
Now you can say that Alabama won't have to deal with a QB like Murray who does so much with his feet. True, but there are plenty of offsetting things that Oklahoma didn't have that Clemson does. A waaaay better defense. Very impressed with the speed of the Clemson front 7 on defense. I think there is a real possibility that they harass a gimpy Tua into an injury. Just enough to make him even less mobile. He looked pretty good Saturday, but he is definitely not the running threat he was earlier this season. He will be under duress far more here. Also, Bama will face a better passer than Kyler Murray. Lawrence has the OL that can give him the time to throw, he has improved as a QB in just his last 3-4 games, and Clemson has the better running game than Oklahoma, Murray's scramble/ runs notwithstanding.
Clemson finally has very good coverage in the secondary, some WRs that are playmakers, and an OL that is solid. Now Alabama's WRs will make their plays as they are an incredible bunch. But I got a feeling that Tua's ankle, lack of mobility comes into play here. Clemson also has the run defense to limit the Bama running game. Limit, not stifle. I was also a little stunned how undisciplined Alabama was Saturday, getting way too many penalties.
Going to trust that DC Brent Venables is going to come up with something that throws the Alabama offense off its game at times. His passion for the game is contagious among his players, and he breaks down the game so well for them. Just the fact that he stays at Clemson instead of heading off to HC somewhere else instills a loyalty with his guys. Somewhat stunned at Oklahoma outscoring the Tide 34-17 from the early 2nd quarter on. I doubt they get much of a lead that's anything like that, although that has been true for much of their season. Alabama might win, but don't you have the feeling this will be a great game between titans…a game that 6 points could definitely come into play? Might increase depending on how the next few days go.
