CFP Championship: 3 reasons Clemson beats Alabama

Run Game

The game within the game. Who can run the ball most effectively? I’ve pointed out that Clemson has a higher average per rush offensively and their defense is allowing less yards per carry on average compared to Alabama.

I’ve watched a lot of Clemson and I’m not sure there’s a better running back in the country than Travis Etienne. He’s averaging over eight yards per carry with 22 rushing touchdowns on the season.

Etienne has a great blend of power and the speed to break off a long run to the house similar to Dalvin Cook in his FSU football days.

There’s also the ability of Trevor Lawrence to make a play here and there in the run game. I’m aware Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa can make plays with his legs as well.

Alabama has a three back attack with Najee Harris, Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. Jacobs is the guy near the goal line with a team leading 11 rushing touchdowns.

However, I’m not sure Alabama will be able to establish their run game well enough to attack consistently through the air.

Would Tagovailoa have enough time to get accurate passes off against a Clemson defensive front that wreaks havoc in the backfield.

I haven’t even gotten to the tempo that Clemson uses that has been a factor against Alabama in the past.

Clemson ran 1,013 plays this season and tempo could become a factor against a gassed Alabama defense in the second half, especially if Clemson is able to establish their run game.