Clemson Football: 5 stats that will determine the outcome of the Natty

Clemson Football: 5 stats that will determine the outcome of the National Championship

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs for a 62 yard touchdown in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Jerry Jeudy #4 and DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate after the touchdown during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

1. 3rd down conversions

As big as explosive plays could be in this one, I think they’ll be hard to come by.

I believe you could see a Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross or Travis Etienne break off a big play. Just like I think you could see a Jerry Jeudy or a Josh Jacobs break off a big run on the Bama side.

But, overall, I think you’re going to see the offenses have to earn their yardage.

That means 3rd down conversions will be huge in keeping the two respective offenses on the field.

Clemson fans set to outnumber Bama fans. dark. Next

If the Tigers want to win this game, they need to get Bama off the field on 3rd downs.

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