Last Look: Alabama (Sugar Bowl Edition)

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Man, what a last month of buildup for this game it has been. 

You’ve read just about every storyline or stat there is to know about this trilogy. Tonight, everything gets thrown out the window, and we finally get to witness Clemson-Alabama part three.

Here are a few last-minute keys to tonight’s game that you should be on the lookout for.

The quarterback battle -

The entire college football world marveled last year at Deshaun Watson’s heroics in Tampa. People are quick to forget that Jalen Hurts had a heroic moment as well in the final minutes of that game.

Now Kelly Bryant and Hurts square of with similar playing styles, but both sharing the same role. Both lead their teams with confidence and poise and both of their records as starters reflect that. Hurts has lost two games in two years, Bryant has lost once.

Both quarterbacks are going to pursue the ground game, but whoever can generate more success with downfield passing will win the matchup. Look for a few play-action bombs from both quarterbacks to try and separate themselves early.

It may very well come down to who can lead their team on a drive to win the game in the final minutes. Hurts has already proven that he can do it.

Can Kelly Bryant?

Third-down success – 

Much like the ACC championship against Miami, you’ll look back on this game after its over and see that success on third downs determined who won. 

We saw Clemson convert their first seven third downs against the Hurricanes to jump out to a quick 21-0 lead. Before Miami converted its first third down, the damage had already been done.

Clemson now ranks No. 4 in the country in third-down defense allowing opponents to convert only 27.8-percent of the time. Alabama is No. 20 in the same category allowing opponents to convert 33-percent of the time.

On the other side of the ball, Clemson remains in the top-10. The Tigers convert 46.7-percent of their third downs and rank No. 7 in the country. 

Alabama is further down the list. Its offense has converted 61 out of 147 third-downs ranking the Crimson Tide at No. 49, behind teams like Vanderbilt, Louisiana-Monroe, and Troy. 

Last year, Clemson held Alabama’s offense to 2-of-15 on third-downs, which wore down Alabama’s defense as the game went on. If Clemson can get Jalen Hurts in situations like third-and-six, or more, then it may be a long night for the Tide offensively.

The ground game – 

There’s no doubt that both teams have developed into running teams this season.

Alabama averages six yards per rush and 265 yards per game. The Tide are led by Damien Harris, who averages 8.2 yards per carry. He has 906 yards this season and 11 touchdowns.

Clemson’s defense is regarded as one of the top defenses in the country and is No. 12 in the country in rushing defense allowing 112.8 yards per game. 

The biggest concern for a Clemson fan in tonight’s Sugar Bowl is if Clemson can run the ball against Alabama’s defense.

Even though they are plagued with injuries, Alabama’s rushing defense is still on top. They’ve only given up eight rushing touchdowns all season and allow only 94.1 yards per game. 

Clemson’s offensive line is going to have to move Alabama’s front-four if the Tigers are going to be successful. Will Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster be enough to wear down Alabama and sustain drives?

If not, Kelly Bryant will have to win the game with his arm. 

This game is going to be everything it has been hyped up to be. Both teams won’t break, and it’ll be a back and forth battle all night long.

If Alabama can’t sustain long drives on Clemson’s defense, then we don’t see how the Tide’s offense can score 20 points. Clemson’s offense will sputter at times but will do just enough to edge out Alabama in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Clemson wins 21-13.