In every pre-season college football poll this season, Alabama was always number 1, and Clemson was right behind them. That was exactly how this season went. No other team was ranked in the top 2 the entire season, and it seemed like no one else could come close to them. Now, they face for the 3rd time in 4 years. The series is split 1-1, with Clemson winning the most recent battle in stylistic fashion due to a Deshaun Watson touchdown pass. But who is going to win this year?
Offense: Both quarterbacks are deadly and effective. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had a rollercoaster ride of a year, as he wasn't even the starter in the beginning of the year. However, he has had a solid year, with 19 TDs and 2933 yards, all while sharing the field with top running back Travis Etienne, who is 4th in rushing yards and 1st in rushing TDs. On the other side, you have Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been named the best SEC quarterback of all time by some. Tagovailoa is backed up by a great receiving core with Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Henry Ruggs III.
Defense: These two defenses allow a combined average of 14.3 points a game. That would be 4th in all of Division 1. But, in my opinion, these teams the 2nd and 3rd best defenses in all of college football. On Clemson's defense, you have a defensive line stacked with beasts, like Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, and Austin Bryant. They also have Tanner Muse in the secondary, who is a very underrated cornerback. On the other side, you have another stacked d-line, with Isaiah Buggs and top prospect Quinnen Williams, who is going to give Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence no mercy. They also have 5 guys with more than two interceptions, including Salvion Smith, Xavier McKinnon, and Delonte Thompson. As both of the offenses are almost equal, this game may come down to a single interception, fumble recovery, or defensive stop.
Prediction: Both of these teams are very good, and it's hard to choose a winner. But, I have to go with Alabama winning the national championship 24-22.