Clemson Football: 4 Reasons the Tigers are better than Bama in 2018

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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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Tee Higgins /

4. Travis Etienne and Tee Higgins

You know, since the loss to Alabama in January, Tiger fans have wanted to blame Kelly Bryant solely.

While Bryant had plenty to do with the loss, many Clemson football fans forget a key factor from that game in New Orleans: Your two best offensive threats were hurt.

Tee Higgins and Travis Etienne were both injured early in the game against the Crimson Tide. Higgins, the only receiver that may have been physically ready to match up with Alabama’s defensive backfield was standing on the sideline with crutches.

Higgins not being on the field really closed the playbook for the Tigers, who had planned to feature him. It meant that the Tigers had no way to stretch the field with even a threat of the long ball. Alabama was able to settle in and, basically, focus on the running game and Hunter Renfrow in the slot.

Injuries are a part of the game and this is no excuse, but having Etienne and Higgins back in the lineup will present a threat to the Crimson Tide defense that wasn’t there in the Sugar Bowl.

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