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Clemson Football will beat Alabama. There, I said it.

By Andrew Boardwine

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O /
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Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) rolls out to pass on a two point conversion against Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) rolls out to pass on a two point conversion against Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jacob Coker  just doesn’t scare me

I know it’s hard to believe, but Alabama does not have the best offense in the nation. You know who did have a good offense? Oklahoma. What happened to them?(and Baker Mayfield is a lot better than Coker, just saying)

I mean no disrespect to Derrick Henry because he is, without a doubt, one of the best running backs in the nation and has the ability to make some plays, but guess who has been one of the most consistent in stopping the run this season? Clemson.

Henry has been stopped several times this season, even by Michigan State for that matter. Everyone marvels at his ability to carry the ball 40 times in a game, but why did he have to do it? Here is why Alabama’s offense doesn’t scare me. The reason Derrick Henry has to run the ball 40 times is because the Crimson Tide have no consistent passing game.

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Now, I know what you’re going to say. Jacob Coker just threw for a season-high 286 yards and two touchdown passes to elite wide-out Calvin Ridley. While all this is true, Alabama was playing Michigan State. As good as the Spartans’ front-seven is, their secondary is weak.

Yes, Coker can take advantage of a slow secondary, but Mackenzie Alexander, Jayron Kearse, and company are not weak. They’ve played some of the best wide receivers in the country and are ready for this game. If you’re going to tell me that Jake Coker is going to pass all over Clemson’s secondary, you may need to take your Crimson-colored glasses off. There’s no way in the world that he is able to beat Clemson like Michigan State. Coker will need the run-game and if the Tigers can just play as they did against Oklahoma, it will be tough for Alabama to score.

Another thing you notice about Jake Coker: If he has any kind of pressure on him, he makes bad decisions and gets uncomfortable. I fully expect him to turn the ball over at some point and to take a couple of sacks. He has made some “bonehead” plays this season and I just don’t see him beating the Tigers.

Alabama has a very good offense, but it’s not elite. They have some NFL prospects on their roster, but so does Clemson’s defense. At the end of the day, they won’t be able to keep up with the Tigers’ offense and that will be one of the differences in the game.

Next: David and Goliath

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