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Clemson Football: Tigers will face Alabama in the Sugar Bowl

By Anthony Messenger

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers after the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks with head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers after the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football was recently named the No. 1 seed in the 2017 College Football Playoff rankings. To the surprise of many, Alabama came in at No. 4, setting the stage for a rubber match for the ages.

Aside from a slip up against Syracuse, Clemson has navigated their tough schedule this season flawlessly. The Tigers have defeated No. 4 Auburn, No. 7 Miami and No. 22 Virginia Tech, en route to their third straight College Football Playoff appearance.

Clemson was expected to take a step back this season, after losing Deshaun Watson and a host of other impact players. Now, sitting 12-1, they have proven that contending for the National title is the rule, rather than the exception.

Playoff seeding

The first three seeds were as expected No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Georgia. The fourth seed however, was not an easy choice for the committee to make.

On one hand, Ohio State sits as a two-loss Big Ten champion with wins over three top 20 opponents. On the other hand, Alabama sits 11-1, having been ranked No. 1 for majority of the regular season.

The committee elected to go with Alabama, with committee chair, Kirby Hocutt claiming, “Alabama was clearly the No. 4 ranked team in the country as a non-champion.” According to Yahoo Sports.

Quite honestly, it didn’t matter whom the committee put at No. 4. Neither Alabama or Ohio State are a threat to Clemson. While both have an enormous national brand, they haven’t played up to their usual standard this season.

Alabama remains one of the most talented teams in the country, however, their defense has taken a step back this year. The Tide have specifically struggled at linebacker and in pass rushing situations. On the offensive side of the ball, Jalen Hurts is still limited as a passer and Bama’s offensive line is inconsistent.

Next: Clemson wins ACC Championship: 3 Takeaways

As we move close to Clemson’s semifinal contest with the Alabama, Rubbing The Rock will delve deeper into analysis of the game. For now Clemson should be a firm favorite over the Tide.

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