Clemson vs Alabama: Comparing defenses

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Both Alabama and Clemson have championship caliber defenses. There is going to be a plethora of future NFL talent on the defensive side of the ball on Monday night. As talented as both of these defenses are, someone has to hold the edge. Here’s our take.

Defensive line:

Games are won on the offensive and defensive lines. It is no coincidence that Clemson and Alabama are back in the national championship, both schools have outstanding line play.

Alabama

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) celebrate during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tide have undergone some roster changes over the past three seasons, which is a testament to Nick Saban’s ability to adapt. College Football has become spread oriented, with an influx of athletic quarterback. Due to these dual-threat quarterback’s Saban changed and began recruiting defensive players that were faster and could play in space.

This Alabama defensive line is arguably the best in the country. The Tide rank second in the country in sacks with 50 on the year. Opposing quarterbacks have about two seconds to make a decision, otherwise they are likely to end up on their back.

Alabama’s defensive line is stout against the run as well. The Tide are first in the country in rushing defense, allowing a mere 62 yards per game. Even more impressive is the fact that Alabama has only allowed 3 rushing touchdowns all season.

Clemson’s offensive line will have their hands full with the likes of, Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Clemson

Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Clemson’s defensive line is overlooked coming into this game, because of the national attention that Alabama’s has garnered over the season. The Tigers have much better depth up front that Alabama in my opinion. I expect Clemson’s defensive line to play with a chip on their shoulder in this game.

The Tigers defensive line has outstanding interior size with the duo of Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence. What makes these two special is their ability to rush the passer. Carlos Watkins leads Clemson in sacks with 10.5 on the year and Dexter Lawrence is next in line with 6.5.

Clemson’s defensive line features one of the most athletic players in the country in Christian Wilkins. The sophomore defensive lineman can play tackle or end with little to no drop off. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has the freedom to move Wilkins around to exploit opposing offensive lines.

The most underrated player on this defensive line is redshirt sophomore Clelin Ferrell. The bigger the stage, the better Ferrell plays. Against Ohio State, Ferrell had three tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. I expect Ferrell to have a big performance against Alabama’s freshman left tackle Jonah Williams.

Edge- Clemson

This may not be a popular choice, but, Clemson’s defensive line matches up better with Alabama’s offensive line. The Tide have given up 25 sacks on the year and Clemson ranks third in the country in sacks with 49. This Clemson defensive line has the quality depth to rotate in fresh bodies with little drop-off in production.

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