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Clemson vs Alabama: Comparing defenses

By Anthony Messenger

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) reacts after an interception against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter of the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) reacts after an interception against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter of the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) looks on during warm-ups prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) looks on during warm-ups prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Modern linebackers are asked to do a multitude of things, from rushing the passer to playing smaller wide receivers in coverage. Both Alabama and Clemson have very smart, physical linebackers.

Alabama

Alabama WILL linebacker Reuben Foster is as physical as they come. Foster has remarkable closing speed on the ball, which allows him to fill cut-back lanes very well, as well as disrupt jet sweeps and screens.

This Alabama linebacker core lost one of their leaders Shaun Dion Hamilton to a torn ACL in the SEC Championship game vs Florida. Luckily for the Tide they had another talented linebacker in Rashaan Evans to take his place.

Alabama’s SAM linebacker Ryan Anderson is one of the most physically imposing players in the country at 6’2, 253 pounds. Anderson is also highly intelligent linebacker as evident in his interception of the screen that Washington attempted to throw early in the game.


Clemson’s offensive line must work to the second level and get Alabama’s linebackers blocked to allow Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman run the ball effectively.

Clemson

Clemson’s line backers are not the biggest in the country, however, what they lack in size they make up for in intensity and intelligence. Ben Bouleware and Kendall Joseph are seemingly always around the football. Neither are big, but their instincts allow them to impact the game far beyond their size.

Dorian O’Daniel is the new age hybrid linebacker. O’Daniel is built like a safety at 6’1, 215 pounds, however, he is physical enough to play inside the box. O’Daniel is Clemson’s best linebacker in terms of pass coverage, because of his athleticism.

It will be interesting to see how Clemson’s linebackers hold up against Alabama’s size. The Tide are not only large along the offensive line, they have a freight train at running back in Bo Scarbrough who stands 6’2, 228 lbs.

Edge- Alabama

Alabama’s linebackers are just as physical as Clemson’s and much more athletic.

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