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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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: The Clemson Tigers offensive line prepares for a snap against the Auburn Tigers during the football game at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

3. Equalization along the lines of scrimmage

Alabama has one of the best offensive and defensive lines in the country year-after-year.

Last year, the Crimson Tide defensive line absolutely manhandled Clemson’s offensive line up-front. The Tigers were outmanned and outplayed all night long.

I don’t think that will be the case this year.

On the defensive side of the ball, Clemson returns the best line in the nation. All four of the Tigers’ starters- Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins- are potential first-round picks in the 2019 draft.

The offensive line for Clemson will also be more physical in 2018, adding another year of weights and some talented guys into the rotation. This group is much more promising than last year’s and I think that makes a difference.

Bama will certainly still have plenty of talent along the lines of scrimmage, but I think the two teams are much more equal this year than they were last year.

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