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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Cam Sims /

2. The losses

Alabama set a record in 2018 with 12 players drafted.

That’s right. 12 draft picks, including four in the first round.

The Crimson Tide produces NFL talent each and every year, but you can’t just lose 12 guys to the NFL Draft and not take any kind of setback.

Well, at least you would think.

I know full well that Alabama will have a dominant team in 2018 despite losing all of that talent. The difference, though, is the fact that Clemson lost much less.

The Tigers’ biggest loss is, without a doubt, Dorian O’Daniel. Everyone else that left last season, I hate to say it like this, but they are easily replaceable.

Instead of having to replace guys like Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, and others, they have them back. Clemson returns guys like Etienne, Kelly Bryant, Higgins, and others. They will also have other guys to put in the fold including Xavier Thomas, Jackson Carman, and Trevor Lawrence.

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