Clemson vs Alabama: Top 3 Reasons Clemson Beats The Tide

By Kelvin Hunt | Jan 9, 2017

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates a touchdown over Ohio State during the fourth quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown past USC Trojans defensive back Chris Hawkins (4) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

Deshaun Watson will be the best player on the field Monday night. He is a very capable passer, but what makes him most dangerous is his ability to gouge defenses with his legs.

Clemson hasn’t used him in the run game nearly as much as last season. However, you can bet your bottom dollar Dabo Swinney will run him in the dirt Monday night.

I expect Watson to run the ball at least 15 times, just as he has in every “big” game Clemson plays. Those third down conversions we mentioned earlier? A lot of those are converted on Watson scrambles or the threat of him scrambling and dumping off to a receiver.

Unlike Alabama’s Jalen Hurts, Watson isn’t a player that a team can make one-dimensional.

Advantage Clemson.

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