Clemson football’s rushing attack will cause problems for Alabama
Alabama’s defense has taken a step back from last season. As such Clemson football won’t need Deshaun Watson to defeat the Tide this time around.
With Kelly Bryant under center, Clemson’s offense has undergone a few renovations. While the Tigers’ still use elaborate route combinations to gash defenses down the field, their offense is now run first.
Over the duration of this season, Clemson has developed a demoralizing rushing attack. Led by the Cam Newton-like rushing ability of Bryant, the Tigers are averaging 204.08 rushing yards per game. The Tigers also rank 4th in the country in rushing touchdowns with 40 on the year.
Alabama vs. Clemson Part III
Clemson’s ability to run the football is particularly important against Alabama. Injuries and attrition have caused this Tide defense to look pedestrian at times this season, especially against the run.
Alabama currently ranks 3rd in the country in rushing defense, but, that number is misleading. Of the 12 teams the Tide have faced this season, only four rank in the top 50 in the nation in rushing offense. Ironically each of those four, (Colorado State, LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn) rushed for at least 140 yards and one touchdown against Alabama. Similarly, seven of the eight rushing touchdowns the Tide have allowed this season came against those same four programs.
Mississippi State in particular provided a good look into how Clemson may fare against Bama. The Bulldogs offense is led by physical dual-threat quarterback, Nick Fitzgerald. Kelly Bryant is smaller than Fitzgerald, however, he has much better top end speed. Bryant’s ability to run the football bodes well for Clemson, as Mississippi State was able to find pay dirt three times against Alabama on the ground.
Next: Initial Thoughts: Clemson vs. Alabama Part III.
Nick Saban and Tide defensive coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt will surely devise a plan to contain Bryant, however, Clemson co-offensive coordinator’s Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott will do their due diligence as well. Led by Scott and Elliott, Clemson has scored an average of 40 points against the Tide in their past two matchups.