National Championship Preview: Clemson O vs. Alabama D

After a close look at the Clemson defense's advantages over the Alabama offense, it's time to flip the field and see where the Tigers can exploit any weakness in the Tide. Here's a hint, there ain't much.

This is ultimate unstoppable force against immoveable object. The Tigers are lightning quick, have future NFL stars at every skill position and have the best quarterback in the country, who just so happened to post 478 yards and four TDs against this same Alabama team one year ago.

The Tide don't let anyone past them. They have as many defensive touchdowns as they've allowed. You want NFL talent on defense? Just look to Alabama. Let's dig in.

(NOTE: Later this evening, BENched will provide a prediction for the game. Follow blogger Ben Whitehead on Twitter @thebenwhitehead)

Clemson Tigers Offense
Total Offense Rank: 12th
Total Yards Per Game: 503.1
Yards Per Play: 6.28
Rushing Offense Rank: 62nd
Rushing Yards Per Game: 175.4
Passing Offense Rank: 7th
Passing Yards Per Game: 327.8
Scoring Offense Rank: 13th
Points Per Game: 39.5

Alabama Crimson Tide Defense
Total Defense Rank: 1st
Total Yards Per Game: 244.0
Yards Per Play: 3.86
Rushing Defense Rank: 1st
Rushing Yards Per Game: 62.0
Passing Defense Rank: 14th
Passing Yards Per Game: 182.0
Scoring Defense Rank: 1st
Points Per Game: 11.4

For Clemson, it starts and ends with Deshaun Watson. The Heisman runner-up is 31-3 in his career as a starter. He's finished in the top three of the Heisman Trophy voting twice. He's led his team to the CFB Playoff and National Championship Game in back-to-back seasons. Simply put, Watson is the greatest player to ever wear the Tiger Paw.

Deshaun Watson has left plenty of defenders behind
as he's danced into the end zone.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

And Clemson fans need to come to grips with the fact that Monday may be the last time he ever puts on that helmet.

But Watson is nothing without his weapons. Mike Williams will likely be the first wide receiver off the board at the NFL Draft. Williams has been spectacular in his comeback season. He has 90 receptions for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns to lead an impressive receiving corps. That group includes Clemson's all-time receptions leader Artavis Scott, former walk-on turned stud Hunter Renfrow, and deep-ball threat Deon Cain. When Watson has time, he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

It doesn't end there, either. Tight end Jordan Leggett is the most decorated at his position in Tiger history. Leggett creates mismatches for linebackers and has been front and center during the Tigers' biggest games.

Part of the reason Leggett is so effective is the run game with Wayne Gallman. The do-it-all tailback is a bruising runner and forces defenses to key on him. He draws attention of the linebackers just enough to allow Leggett to sneak behind them. Gallman, along with Watson and the Clemson offensive line, will be imperative to keep the Tide at bay.

The athleticism of the Crimson Tide defense, including
Jonathan Allen, is what separates Alabama from the rest.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

But this group is a Crimson wall. From Jonathan Allen up front to Reuben Foster and Tim Williams at the next level and Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey in the secondary, there is no weakness to be found. And every single position has a backup that would start at 90 percent of FBS schools.

Somehow, some way, Nick Saban pieced together arguably the greatest defense of all-time after several departures to the NFL a season ago.

Alabama has scored 11 defensive touchdowns, nearly averaging one per game. They've come in all shapes, sizes and forms, from interceptions at every level of the field to fumbles returned. Ohio State ranks second behind Bama with seven defensive scores, but the Buckeyes couldn't muster one against Clemson. Will the Tide be able to change momentum with a big play?

The Tigers have taken a step back in rushing yards, but big steps forward in the passing game. If there is any area Clemson can take advantage of the Tide, it'd be through the air. It won't be easy and the big men up front will have to bring their "A" game to give Watson time.

Advantage: Alabama

-BtW