Clemson vs Alabama: The Trilogy We’ve All Been Waiting For

Over the past two seasons, Clemson and Alabama have treated college football fans to two of the best national championship games of all time. Now, after splitting those two contests, it is time for the Tigers and Crimson Tide to compete in the highly anticipated rubber match. Most people assumed this would ultimately end up being the national championship game yet again but Clemson and Alabama will do battle in the Sugar Bowl with the Sportsbook moving on to the title contest.

Shark Bites
  • Alabama is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games after a loss.
  • The OVER is 2-0 in the last 2 games between Clemson and Alabama with the teams averaging a combined 75.5 ppg.
  • Clemson is 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games.

Clemson might not have the best offense in the nation this season with the program watching the likes of Deshaun Watson, Wayne Gallman and Mike Williams all head to the NFL after the championship last season but they can still score. Junior quarterback Kelly Bryant has stepped in and admirably filled the role left by Watson despite not being as lethal a passer. In addition, the running back tandem of Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster has combined for 1,403 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.

However, Clemson’s defense is as good as ever with the Tigers sitting in the top 10 in the nation in yards allowed, passing defense and points allowed. Clemson has one of the best defensive lines in the country with both Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant – likely first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft – having racked up at least 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss.

Though Alabama returns several key players from the offense last season, it will be replacing OJ Howard that will be most difficult. The tight end accounted for 314 yards and 3 TDs vs Clemson in the past two national championship games. The only Tide player to catch more than 15 passes this season has been Calvin Ridley but finding a second consistent threat will be important in this game. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts has become an incredibly efficient passer as well as one of Bama’s best rushing threats.

Nick Saban has once again turned his cavalcade of five-star recruits on defense into arguably the best in the country. No team has allowed fewer yards or points this season than Bama – plus the team has racked up 31 sacks and 20 turnovers. Clemson is more likely to dink and dunk their way up the field offensively, so it is going to be important that the Alabama linebacker unit is ready to close out quickly.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Betting fans going with the Clemson Tigers in this game found them listed as 2-point underdogs on the betting odds menu at Sportsbook earlier in the week.

OddsShark computer prediction formulas run early in the week pointed to a 40-29 win for the Crimson Tide on Monday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Clemson Tigers Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

Clemson will face the 11-1 Alabama Crimson Tide, who own a 5-7 ATS mark on the season. In totals betting, the Clemson Tigers are 5-8 so far this season while the Crimson Tide are 5-7. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Clemson vs Alabama injuries news.

The game pits the Tigers, currently No. 9 in our OddsShark NCAA Football Power Rankings, against the Crimson Tide, who rate No. 2 in the latest survey.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Clemson Tigers' No. 25-ranked offense (35.17 PPG) against a Alabama Crimson Tide defense that ranks No. 1 at 11.5 PPG. The Tigers passing attack has averaged 243.25 yards per game, more than the Crimson Tide give up through the air (163.67 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Crimson Tide own the league's No. 12-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 112.75 yards per game when on the road. Clemson, on the other hand, rates No. 35 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

The Crimson Tide suffered a Week 13 loss against Auburn in their last game, falling 26-14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Clemson cruised to victory in its last outing, as they ran up a 38-3 score against Miami at Bank of America Stadium.

Alabama is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games after a loss.away The OVER is 2-0 in the last 2 games between Clemson and Alabama with the teams averaging a combined 75.5 ppg. Clemson is 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
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