CFP Championship: 3 reasons Clemson beats Alabama

By Kelvin Hunt | Jan 7, 2019

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 11: The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy is seen on the field before the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Better Defense

Both teams field excellent defenses, but Clemson is the better of the two teams. They come into the game allowing just 4.05 ypp and 12.9 ppg.

Clemson allows teams to convert on third downs 28 percent of the time and only allow 2.40 yards per rush on the season.

Most importantly, Clemson holds opposing offenses to only scoring touchdowns in the red zone just 43.75 percent of the time.

Alabama comes into the game allowing 4.7 ypp and 16.2 ppg. They allow teams to convert on third downs 31.88 percent and allow 3.47 yards per rush.

When it comes to scoring in the red zone the Crimson Tide allows teams to score touchdowns 57.14 percent of the time.

Clemson is also better at putting teams behind the chains with more tackles for loss and sacks on the season. That’ll be key for Clemson to put Alabama in obvious passing situations as the Crimson Tide offense converts third downs at a 53.95 percent clip.

Alabama’s offense has put up ridiculous numbers all season, but they’ve yet to face a defense the caliber of Clemson.

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