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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 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 /

Secondary

Both secondaries will play a huge role in this football game, Jalen Hurts and Deshaun Watson are two of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. If Clemson cannot move the ball through the air it will be difficult for them to win and vice versa.

Alabama

Alabama’s secondary may be the best in the country in run support. I have not seen a group of defensive backs come down and tackle with the tenacity that Alabama’s has.

In pass coverage, the Tide have two studs in Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick who have combined for eight interceptions and three touchdowns on the season. Outside of Fitzpatrick and Humphrey, I believe Alabama has some weaknesses in pass coverage.

Tony Brown has been improved this season, however, he has never quite lived up to his five-star ranking coming out of high school. Brown seems to lose focus at times during the games, allowing a bust in coverage. Sophomore safety, Ronnie Harrison is better in run support than he is in coverage. Should he be forced to cover a guy like Artavis Scott in space, I am not sure that he has the speed or lateral movement to stick with Tay.

Despite their shortcomings in some area’s, Alabama’s secondary will make you pay should you turn it over. Deshaun Watson cannot be careless with the football against the Tide.

Clemson

The Tigers secondary has been a pleasant surprise this season. Losing Mackensie Alexander, Jayron Kearse, and T.J. Green certainly hurt Clemson, however, they have done well without the trio.

Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley have lead this young secondary all season long. Johnson burst onto the scene this year with five interceptions, while Cordrea Tankersley lived up to his preseason hype with a four interception performance.

Marcus Edmond has been Clemson’s saving grace this year, sealing victories against Louisville and N.C. State. Clemson’s secondary may be the key to this National Championship. Should Clemson stop Hurts and company from pushing the ball down the field, the Tigers have a great chance at winning this football game.

Edge- Alabama

The Tide are great at forcing turnovers and Deshaun Watson has been prone to turning the ball over throughout the season. This was a close debate, I believe Clemson’s secondary has less weapons to cover from Alabama, however, I cannot overlook the impact that turnovers can have on a football game.

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