Alabama vs. Clemson: Point Spread & Over-Under

Clemson may not have had Shaq Lawson for most of its College Football Playoff semifinal, but the star defensive end said he should be back in time for the championship.

Now, as the Tigers prepare to face Alabama in the National Title game they'll continue building on the strengths that were evident against a talented Oklahoma team.

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) celebrates his touchdown with defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Oklahoma, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. I think that Alabama has big name players while Clemson has not as big name players. If Watson and Mayfield are able to consistently get outside, the scoreboard is going to look like a calculator.

Last year, in the first title determined by the new playoff system, we saw Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State meaning that so far, the national sport of southern America has only seen one team from the SEC participate. Part of the reason is the threat that the Clemson offense poses to Alabama.

No. 16 Okla. St. vs. No. 12 Ole Miss, 7:30 p.m.

They will have to continue to take chances against an Alabama team that will not beat itself-they will have to remain loose off the field, nimble with their play calling and bold with their game plan.

Clemson continues to be disrespected by many, take ESPN for instance.

Swinney said he had told his players that they were not favored to win the game, "but we ain't no underdog". "They have a Heisman-type quarterback, they've got a running back who's very underappreciated, their defense is very underappreciated".

The line helped Watson become Clemson's single-season total yardage leader (4,731) and Gallman gain the most rushing yards (1,482) in school history.

They stuffed one of the most balanced offenses in college football, sent the Sooners' tailback tandem of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon to the sidelines with ankle and head injuries, and completely made OU one-dimensional with only 67 yards rushing.

Mayfield threw for 311 yards, but was sacked five times, and threw two interceptions in Clemson territory in the second half.

Swinney has backed it up now that Clemson is on the brink of its first title since 1981.

Deshaun Watson might not be the second coming of Johnny Manziel or Cam Newton, but he's an accomplished passer and a risky runner.

Ridley was brilliant, streaking by defenders on deep throws and outfighting them on jump balls. He caught eight passes for 138 yards and two TDs. The big tailback was just a role player against a Spartans defense stacked to stop the run. Never mind the fact that the refs never once called a holding penalty on the Tar Heels or the fact that even if North Carolina had the ball, they would have to score a touchdown and get the two-point conversion.

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