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Clemson vs Alabama: Comparing offenses

By Anthony Messenger

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson and Alabama have both trudged all the way back to the National Championship for the second consecutive season. This game is the most anticipated rematch in recent history. Clemson and Alabama are two of the most consistent programs in all of College Football. Leading up to game day we are going to be analyzing each team. Who has the edge on offense? Let’s take a look.

Offensive line:

The big boys upfront often decide the game. Alabama has been notoriously good in the trenches under Nick Saban. Clemson has steadily built themselves into a force in the trenches under Dabo Swinney.

Alabama:

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman (75) at the line of scrimmage against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman (75) at the line of scrimmage against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

As I previously stated, Alabama has consistently been one of best teams in the country on the offensive line under Nick Saban. This season is no exception, Alabama has a very physical group of offensive lineman.

There is a clear divide between Alabama and Clemson as far as running the football goes. The Tide are 11th in the country in rushing offense with 246. 71 yards per game, while Clemson ranks 62nd in rushing offense with 174.35 yards per game. While that may be true, I don’t think it is an indication of a talent gap between Alabama and Clemson, rather a result of scheme. Alabama’s offense is predicated on running the football, while Clemson is more adept at throwing the football.

Alabama’s offensive line has been average in terms of protecting the quarterback. The Tide rank 44th in sacks allowed with 24 on the year. The issues in pass protection are not a result of a lack of talent, Alabama has two book-end tackles in Cam Robinson and true freshman Jonah Williams.

Clemson

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain (78) and offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain (78) and offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt (75) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Dabo Swinney and his staff have done a great job of improving the talent along the offensive line. This influx of talent has paid dividends for the Tigers. Clemson is one of the best units in the country in pass protection allowing just 16 sacks on the season. It certainly helps to have a quarterback like Deshaun Watson who can create with his legs when he gets in trouble.

Clemson’s offensive line has been lacking in physicality at times this season. As a result, he Tigers have not ran the ball as effectively this year. Co-offensive coordinators Jeff Scott and Tony Elliot are the reason for Clemson’s issues; Scott and Elliot have not made an effort to establish the run, because of the talent that Clemson has on the edge.

Clemson’s offensive line is the key to this National Championship. Alabama’s front seven is deadly, guys like Tim Williams and Jonathon Allen have been wreaking havoc on opposing offenses all season long. In order for Clemson to win, this offensive line must protect Deshaun Watson first and foremost. From there, the Tigers must be able to open up holes in the running game for Wayne Gallman.

Edge- Alabama

The Tide have the luxury of experience. Alabama has faced a plethora of talented defensive lineman in guys like Derek Barnett, Arden Key, Carl Lawson, Caleb Brantley, and even an injured Myles Garrett. I am giving the Tide a slight edge over Clemson on the offensive line.

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