The Morn...NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

As clear as can be, the Clemson Tigers are National Champions!

Sorry for the interruption of that headline, but WE'RE THE FREAKING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

It sounds better every time I say it or write it or text it. What a whirlwind it has been since that late Monday night slash early Tuesday morning in Tampa. I'm not sure the smile has left my face.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the best "The Morning After..." ever! It's The (third) Morning After... A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

1) I'm pretty sure no one wearing orange and purple ever doubted Deshaun Watson. The poise and moxy he showed Monday night was something Tiger fans have seen since his first pass against Georgia three seasons ago. Down 14-0 and facing the best defense in college football, Watson and the Clemson offense found their rhythm. I've heard multiple reports of tweets and in-game analysis blasting Watson for being rattled and confused. But I'm here to tell you folks, he was just feeling out the game. That's what great quarterbacks do. They get a feel for the flow of the game and try to find that one play that puts the offense in motion.

Deshaun Watson has a moment with the only trophy that matters.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

That one play was a 44-yard screen pass to Deon Cain. From that point on, every player on Clemson's offense made play after play, from Mike Williams' insane ability to high-point the football to Jordan Leggett's crazy acrobatics to Hunter Renfrow's eye for the end zone in championship games. The preseason talk of all the weapons Clemson had on that side of the ball was justified. Clemson had playmakers making plays and no one, not even the No. 1 Crimson Tide was gonna stop them.

2) Aside from the touchdowns, there were two very important plays made. First, was the tackle out of nowhere after a Wayne Gallman fumble to begin the third quarter. With Clemson trailing 14-7 and receiving the ball after halftime, it appeared the Tigers would be able to sustain a drive and show the adjustments made at the break. Instead, Gallman fumbled and Ryan Anderson scooped it up for the Tide. Anderson was racing to the end zone for a few steps while looking over his right shoulder. But from the left came Renfrow, who took out Anderson's legs and saved a touchdown. Bama was set up at the 16, but a false start pushed them back and the drive stalled, forcing Nick Saban to send on his field goal unit. The kick was good and the Tide led by double-digits, 17-7. However, it could have been 21-7 - after another defensive TD for Bama - if not for the Renfrow tackle.

2B) The second was another game-changing tackle. With the score 24-21 Alabama, the Tide were nearing midfield. On 3rd and 10, QB Jalen Hurts tossed a short pass to OJ Howard. Howard had what looked like a clear lane for a first down. Freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was trailing the play, reached a paw out and grabbed a one of Howard's feet, tripping him up and forcing a fourth down. Bama punted into the endzone and although Clemson went three-and-out on the ensuing drive, the momentum was stopped. A first down there would have been devastating for the Tigers D. It would have been a first down on the Clemson side of the 50 and the drive very well could have resulted in points.

3) OK, OK, let's talk about "The Drive." How did we get there? Well, Gallman scored with 4:38 left to give Clemson its first lead of the night, 28-24. Tiger nation went berserk inside Raymond James Stadium and it looked like the defense would get a stop on the next series. Alabama faced 3rd and 16 after Ben Boulware perfectly read a screen pass and slammed the Bama running back to the turf, sending the orange-clad faithful into a frenzy. But Hurts floated a pass over the middle which was caught a yard shy of the first down marker. Bama converted on fourth down, ran a double-pass trick play later and Hurts finished with a 30-yard scamper to put the Tide back on top 31-28 with 2:07 to go.

I immediately, without hesitation, turned to the fans around me with two fingers in the air and said, "Too much time. They left us too much time." Again, referring to No. 1 of this post, I never doubted what would happen next. Watson put all of Clemson on his shoulders. First, a short pass to Leggett for positive yards to start the drive. Not monumental, but the perfect way to start the drive. Then, a stellar catch by Williams down the Clemson sideline for 24 yards into Bama territory. Clemson reached into its bag of tricks for a hook-and-ladder from Watson to Artavis Scott to Gallman. It looked like it might be stopped for a loss or no gain, but the Wayne Train kept chugging and gained six yards. Watson picked up another short gain before hitting Renfrow for a key third-down conversion. Watson clocked the ball setting up the biggest catch of Leggett's career. With 19 seconds to go, Watson dropped back and threw under immense pressure to a twirling Leggett. He was running down the left side, turned to his right just in time to see the ball sailing to the sideline, twisted and grabbed the pass out of the air to put Clemson inside the 10-yard line. I've seen the slow motion replay of this catch 50 times and it felt even slower in real time. Man, what a catch.

1st and goal - incomplete pass, an overthrow by Watson to Leggett in the right corner.
2nd and goal - incomplete pass, but a pass interference penalty moving the ball to the 2 and another 1st down.

Deshaun Watson sprints down the field arms open
while Hunter Renfrow celebrates in the background
after the Tigers scored with one second remaining.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

Then ... The Play: Crush.

Watson rolls right, Renfrow off the rub route is wiiide open. TOUCHDOWN TIGERS! One second left. As Dabo pointed out, it's the epitome of this program - a five-star quarterback recruit throwing to a no-name walk-on for the biggest play of the national championship. The rest is history.

4) I could not be happier for several players' accomplishments in the game. Watson has received his due, and rightfully so, but there are others who had their moments in the game.

• First and foremost in my opinion is Gallman's touchdown. The under-utilized tailback was able to score in the Natty. He only had 46 yards, but the 46th was arguably the biggest moment of his life. 
• Second, Williams' touchdown early in the fourth quarter and his two incredible leaping grabs. There's not a better physical receiver in the country and I can't wait to see him play on Sundays. 
• Leggett's aforementioned catch came shortly after he dropped a pass that would have kept a Clemson drive alive. In that moment, I felt awful for the decorated tight end. I didn't want him to be remembered as the player who let that one slip away. He made amends for it in a huge way. 
• Scott was almost invisible on this night, with just three catches for six yards and a run for no gain. But the junior receiver was able to hoist the trophy in front of family and friends in his home town. A great feeling for a guy who has done so much for the program while generally being the second or third option.
• Cordrea Tankersley absolutely shut down Calvin Ridley. The Bama receiver had five catches for 36 yards, but Tank did what he's done all year - not allowing a bigtime receiver to make a bigtime plays.

Clemson defenders Christian Wilkins, Ben Boulware and
Carlos Watkins celebrate on stage.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

5) Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the heart and soul of the defense, Boulware and Christian Wilkins. The passion those two showed this season and coming through on their promises from last January, that'll be something I'll always remember. Senior Carlos Watkins also gets a nod for going about his business with little fanfare.

6) Some noteworthy stats: Clemson's seven tackles for loss vaulted the Tigers to No. 1 in that category for the fourth straight season. ... Clemson closed the season defeating the No. 2 and No. 1 teams, according to the AP Poll. Each win was the highest-rated victory in program history. Previously, Clemson's best win was over a No. 3-ranked team (FSU 2003, Louisville 2016). ... Clemson had outscored opponents 176-27 in the first quarter this season and had never trailed after one quarter entering the game. Alabama led 7-0 at the end of the first. ... Clemson had not trailed at halftime either, but the Tide were up 14-7 at intermission. ... Alabama was 97-0 under Saban when leading by 10+ points in the fourth quarter. The Tide led 24-14, but were outscored 21-7 and lost 35-31. ... After trailing 14-0, Clemson outscored Alabama 35-17 the rest of the way, including 28-17 in the second half. 

7) I figured I'd end with this: What a season. My university has won a national championship for the first time in my lifetime. It was one of the most epic games in college football championship history. It was a thriller literally until the last second. You know what was great? We recovered the onside kick and celebrated thinking the game was over. For 10-15 seconds, we thought we were champions. Then, they announced the play was being reviewed. Clemson got the ball with one second, took a knee, and celebrated again. I thought to myself, "This is SO NICE, they're letting us celebrate TWICE!" Honestly, the celebration never ended, it just continued and is still ongoing.

Thank you to all my loyal TMA and BENched readers. I enjoy providing you my thoughts every fall weekend. I appreciate you being along for the ride once again. I will have plenty more from this game, including a full weekend recap in Tampa and some interesting things that happened at the game from my perspective. A different take on your typical TMA. One last thing:

WE'RE NATIONAL CHAMPS!

"At the top of the mountain, that Clemson flag is flying!" -Dabo Swinney

-BtW

National Championship Prediction - Tigers vs. Crimson Tide

It's here. Again.

College football's National Championship awaits. An unprecedented rematch pits the No. 2 Clemson Tigers (13-1) against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (14-0). The script is flipped from a year ago when Clemson entered unbeaten and No. 1 with the Tide ranked second at 13-1. Alabama won 45-40.

It's a different year and both teams have proven to be on top of their games going into Monday. Here are a few last-minute notes:

• Alabama has not lost in a National Championship Game under Nick Saban.
• Clemson is 27-2 in the past two seasons; Alabama is 28-1. The Tide are on a 26-game winning streak.
• Alabama has 76 wins since the start of the 2011 season. That leads the nation. Clemson is second with 69 wins.
• The Tigers and Tide have combined to play in seven of the nine CFB Playoff games since its implementation, including each of the past six games and both National Championships.
• Clemson and Alabama have won the previous four semifinal games by an average of 26.5 points, including a shutout by each team.
• In fact, the two teams have given up a total of 24 points (17 by Clemson, 7 by Alabama) in those semifinal games.

There's no arguing these two programs have put themselves on a pedestal the past two years. Alabama and Clemson. Clemson and Alabama. No matter how you say it, you know it's big-time football.

The keys to the game are:
-Can Clemson exploit a weakness in the Alabama secondary?
-Will the Tigers offensive line give Deshaun Watson enough time to do so?
-How different will the play-calling be from Steve Sarkisian?
-Is Clemson equipped to go toe-to-toe with Alabama for four grueling quarters?
-What momentum swing will we see in this year's game?

There are a few differences from a year ago when the Tigers and Tide dueled in the desert. Clemson was dealing with injuries, especially on defense. Mackensie Alexander was hampered by a bum hamstring and left early in the game. Both Shaq Lawson and Ben Boulware were practically playing with one arm. Plus, two key ingredients were missing from Clemson's high-flying offense: Mike Williams and Deon Cain.

This year, the Tigers are fully healthy. Williams and Cain are part of the equation.

And last I checked, Watson is still at the helm.

The Tigers hope to put Alabama to bed and celebrate
the school's second National Championship.
(Photo courtesy Reuters)

It is difficult for me to pick against Clemson, y'all know that. I went against them when Louisville came to town. I was wrong. I'm just having a hard time getting over the fact that this is Alabama, the gold standard in college football. This Tide team might be the best ever, at least if you listen to the pundits.

I have concerns with their offense against a salty and laser-focused Clemson defense. I also have concerns that Alabama hasn't seen anything close to what the Tigers have to offer.

Deshaun Watson is the best player on the field for the final time as a college quarterback. And he leaves behind a legacy capped with a National Championship.

Score Prediction: Clemson 23, Alabama 17

-BtW

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

National Championship Preview: Clemson D vs. Alabama O

Here we go again.

For the first time in college football history there will be a rematch in the National Championship Game. No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson have earned their way back onto the big stage. Many recall the epic event that unfolded less than a year ago in Glendale, Ariz., and are hoping for a repeat performance. Alabama claimed the crown with a thrilling 45-40 win. It was the Tide's fourth title in the last seven seasons.

Now, these two are set to square off much closer to home. The setting: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. It's a rematch for the ages and BENched is here to break it all down.

We start with a look at the matchup between the Clemson defense and the Alabama offense. Tomorrow, we'll break down the Tigers O against the Crimson Tide D, as well as provide the prediction for the game. What you're going to find is it will be strength on strength all over the field on both sides. There's a reason these two are in the title game for another season. Settle in for the weekend because it all goes down Monday night.

Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
Total Offense Rank: 31st
Total Yards Per Game: 460.9
Yards Per Play: 6.52
Rushing Offense Rank: 11th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 246.7
Passing Offense Rank: 81st
Passing Yards Per Game: 214.2
Scoring Offense Rank: 15th
Points Per Game: 39.4

Clemson Tigers Defense
Total Defense Rank: 8th
Total Yards Per Game: 306.9
Yards Per Play: 4.56
Rushing Defense Rank: 19th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 123.1
Passing Defense Rank: 17th
Passing Yards Per Game: 183.8
Scoring Defense Rank: 7th
Points Per Game: 17.1

Clemson is coming off its most dominant defensive performance of the year. The Tigers blanked the Ohio State Buckeyes in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, 31-0. Ohio State entered the game averaging over 42 points per game and nearly 260 yards on the ground. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables' defense held OSU to 88 rushing yards and the big fat zero on the scoreboard.

Discussion about the Tigers on defense for much of the season has surrounded the defensive line play of Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence. Add in linebacker Ben Boulware and the front seven is as loaded as any in the country. But the breakout performance by redshirt freshman Clelin Ferrell - three tackles for loss and a sack - earned him defensive MVP honors for the bowl game.

Clelin Ferrell (99) and Carlos Watkins are just two
of several fierce Clemson defensive linemen.
(Photo courtesy SI.com)

The Tigers have depth as evidenced by the lockdown performance against one of the nation's top offenses. Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley anchor a secondary that has allowed the big boys up front time to get to the quarterback.

This time, that quarterback is freshman Jalen Hurts. He's not the most prolific passer in the country. His stats are similar to JT Barrett, whom the Tigers just faced. Hurts completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,649 yards and a 22-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Bama's run game is where the Tide wear down opponents. Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough form a two-headed monster in the backfield. Harris has received the bulk of the carries between the two. He's 17 yards shy of 1,000 for the season. Scarbrough has just 539 yards, but has 90 yards or more in the last three games, including an Alabama bowl game record 180 in the Peach Bowl. There's a third back, Josh Jacobs, who actually has a dozen yards more than Scarbrough on the season. Scarbrough is built like a Bama running back and does the heavy lifting late in the game when the Tide have worn down their opponent.

Jalen Hurts has left defenders lying on the ground
for much of the season, leading Alabama with 12 TDs.
(Photo courtesy Orlando Sentinel)

But the Tide roll best when Hurts uses his legs. The quarterback run game has amplified Alabama's attack this season. Hurts is second on the team with 841 yards and leads the offense with 12 rushing scores.

Just when you think you've figured him out, Hurts goes back to the air to receivers Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart and tight end OJ Howard. Howard was the hero of last season's title game with over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Another player to watch is Greg Dieter, who is third on the team with four TD receptions.

Hurts, though, wasn't overwhelmingly spectacular against the best he's faced this season. In nine games against some of the Tide's top competition, Hurts averaged just over 160 yards through the air with just 10 touchdowns. He accounted for 10 of his 12 rushing scores in those games, as well. You can bet to see Hurts will be used heavily against Clemson, allowing for an extra blocker against the relentless Tiger defense.

Of course, there's the Steve Sarkisian factor for the Tide. Sarkisian takes over as offensive coordinator just a week before the game after Alabama and former OC Lane Kiffin parted ways. How will his play-calling and rhythm affect Alabama on the biggest stage? That remains to be seen.

Where Clemson may have a clear advantage over this unit is tackles for loss. The Tigers are second in the nation with 123 tackles for loss, averaging 8.8 per game. Alabama 122nd in tackles for loss allowed with 101, an average of 7.1 per game. If the Tigers are in the backfield often, it could spell a long night for Hurts and the Tide.

This will be the best defense Alabama has faced all season. The Tigers are hungry to shut down another top-tier opponent. The team who can win in the trenches will have the upper hand.

Advantage: Clemson

-BtW

Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Poll Released

November 1 has arrived and with it the release of the first College Football Playoff Committee Poll. Let's remind everyone that this is an ever-changing ranking of teams and the Playoff Committee has consistently ranked teams based on a variety of criteria from strength of schedule to body of work to game control to the eye test.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide finished on top last season.
That's where they are once again in the first CFB Playoff Poll.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

It's not surprising that Alabama was ranked No. 1. The Tide's schedule at first glance provided some treacherous spots - at Ole Miss, at Tennessee and vs. Texas A&M.  But of the five ranked teams Alabama played at the time of their game, only one (Texas A&M) is still currently ranked). Still, the Tide have run through their opponents, winning by an average margin of 29 points.

The matter of ranking Clemson vs. Michigan is significant in a lot of ways. The Tigers were ranked No. 2 this week. First, Michigan's schedule going forward could help push the Wolverines ahead of Clemson if both teams win out. Second, if Alabama slips up - and that's an elephant-sized if - the Tigers would move to No. 1 and Michigan up to No. 2. Depending on who the Committee ranks third and fourth in the final poll if both teams finish there, it could affect where the teams go for the semifinal games.

If Clemson were No. 1, there is no doubt the Tigers would go to the Peach Bowl. With Michigan No. 1, however, the Committee could put the Wolverines in the Peach Bowl if they were to face Washington, forcing the Huskies to travel across the country. If Big Blue's opponent is Alabama, the Committee would likely shift that game to the Fiesta Bowl to avoid Michigan, the No. 1 team, having to play in the Tide's backyard of Atlanta.

I digress, though, because there is an entire month of games to go and anything can still happen.

Here's the real head-scratcher: Texas A&M with a 19-point loss to Alabama was placed ahead of unbeaten Washington. Most would argue that Washington has passed the eye test, not to mention the Aggies' loss. Where Washington has been hurt is the lack of strength in the Pac-12. Huge wins over Stanford and Oregon (on the road) don't care much weight when they are a combined 8-8. The Huskies just need to keep on winning, though, and there's a good chance everything shakes out.

As for the rest of the Top 10, I was somewhat surprised by Louisville's ranking at No. 7 and Auburn being in the Top 10. The Cards had been one of the most dominant teams in the early part of the season, with a "quality loss" at Clemson. Louisville, though, doesn't have very many quality wins. The 63-20 thrashing of Florida State has taken a hit with the 'Noles dropping two more games since.

Auburn has two home losses to No. 2 Clemson and No. 4 Texas A&M. The Tigers does own a win over LSU and is on a five-game winning streak. Auburn can make or break its season on Nov. 26 at Alabama.

Last, the Big Ten has four of the Top 10 teams and five of the Top 12 (Penn State is No. 12). Lots of love thrown to the upper Midwest, which will only boost the schedule strength of those teams going forward.

The Playoff Poll Top 10
1)  Alabama
2)  Clemson
3)  Michigan
4)  Texas A&M
5)  Washington
6)  Ohio State
7)  Louisville
8)  Wisconsin
9)  Auburn
10) Nebraska

-BtW

I just can't

Remember me? I know it's been a while. Sorry for that. Thanks for coming back to the blog! I picked up my copy of Athlon Sports College Football magazine about a week ago. The itch is back! It might be 90-thousand degrees outside, but I can smell the tailgates, feel the crisp fall air, and hear the marching bands blaring away.

I just need to touch on something related to the end of that magical 2015 season.

There are 66 days left until college football; 68 until Clemson kicks off. That means it's been 169 days since Alabama claimed the National Championship in the desert. 

You probably know I was there. You probably could've guessed that I recorded the game at home. You may or may not know that I still have the recording on my DirecTV system.

I don't recall when it was but I started the game at some point thinking rewatching it would help me heal. I didn't last very long. Thirty-seven minutes into the four-and-a-half recorded hours, to be exact.

It's still paused on my DVR: Alabama 7, Clemson 7, 1st quarter, 3:05 to go.

I just can't get myself to relive the full game. There's one man - a much better man than me - who has watched it. In fact, he's watched it multiple times. 

"I’ve watched it maybe about six or seven times. I’ve watched it to correct myself, to look at my mistakes, and honestly I’ve just watched it to watch it. That game is behind us now, but it was still a great experience. There are thousands and thousands of athletes who want to play in that game, so why not watch it? Sit back and enjoy it, even though it didn’t turn out the way we wanted." -Clemson QB, Deshaun Watson

This is how I know Clemson football is in good hands this season. What an incredible attitude this guy has. He understands the magnitude of having played in a National Championship Game. He understands that life is bigger than one game, one loss.

It hurts me too bad. Maybe one day before Sept. 3 I will be able to press play again. I hope so.

But for today, I just can't.

-BtW

The Morning WAY After...

I know, I know. This took way too long to write up. For that, I apologize.

What I can't apologize for is the incredible emotions I've felt since last Monday. From the feelings leading up to the National Championship to the heartbreak as the final seconds ticked off to the pride I took in my university in the immediate days after.

Unparalleled.

That's the only way to describe it. I've never felt all the feels like I have in the past six days. As for the game, I guess this is what I can offer up at this point.

1) The nation wanted a great championship and the nation got it. Clemson and Alabama went back-and-forth for the better part of all four quarters. When the Tide landed a punch, the Tigers answered with an uppercut. The knockout blow came partway through the fourth quarter when Nick Saban called the greatest onside kick in the history of football. The air was let out of the orange sideline, if only for a few minutes. Those few minutes were the difference in the game. A 24-21 Clemson lead was suddenly 38-27 Alabama.

2) For all the doubters who believed a little ole ACC team couldn't hang with big, bad Alabama and the SEC, I have one thing to say: Sorry, not sorry. Clemson is for real. Deshaun Watson is the truth. Wayne Gallman is a beast. Brent Venables has worked wonders on the defense. The Tigers were just as strong as the Crimson Tide. Saban said it himself, and I'm paraphrasing here, "We needed to do something to change the momentum of the game. We didn't feel like we would win if we didn't call the onside kick. We were tired on defense and they were beating us at the point of attack."

Clemson fans have been clamoring for respect all year. We've been ranked No. 1, but were underdogs in our final two games and 99% of you picked against us in the Playoff games. Many picked North Carolina, or at least said to watch out for the upset, in the ACC title game. Sorry, but we're not sorry. We're here and we proved on the game's biggest stage that we can go toe-to-toe with the best of the best. Deal with it.

3) Jake Coker was much better than I thought he would be. Granted, it's easy to have the kind of game he had statistically when your unannounced tight end is streaking wide open down the field multiple times. But there were two key plays Coker converted. The first was a deep pass on third and long down the right sideline where he dropped a pass in the bucket for a huge conversion. The second was with his legs, scrambling and barely getting a first down inside the five yard-line, which ultimately led to the touchdown that proved to be the game winner.

4) I didn't think the Tigers D would miss Mackensie Alexander that much based on the reports of a bum hamstring. Boy, was I wrong. When Alexander went out, Alabama exploited a weakness in the Clemson secondary. It wasn't necessarily that his replacement couldn't cover anyone. It was the leadership Alexander provided on the field and his ability to make sure other guys were in position. With him gone, there were times the secondary looked utterly confused, and that was evident with the many busted coverages.

My brother and me at the National Championship.

5) Tiger Nation showed up to the desert in huge numbers. We arrived Saturday evening and went straight to downtown Phoenix where all the festivities were ongoing. There was orange everywhere. Pockets of crimson were swallowed up by Tiger fans doing the Cadence Count. Two-dollar bills were dropped at nearly every bar and restaurant around town. At the game, it was loud. Clemson Loud. I'd say Clemson fans outnumbered Alabama inside the stadium 60-40, perhaps more. If the Tigers are able to make the Playoff next season and are fortunate enough to play in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta for the semifinal and win, expect Tampa Bay's stadium - the site of the championship game next year - to be 75% orange. Or more.

6) We ran into several Alabama fans after the game who were as complimentary as they could be. They said things such as, "You guys kicked our tails and we're lucky to be holding the trophy," and, "I can't believe we needed special teams to beat y'all. Clemson was impressive. Deshaun Watson is unreal. We have the Heisman Trophy winner and I'm not sure he was the best player on the field tonight." They had many more nice things to say about rooting for Dabo and how nicely they were treated by Clemson fans all weekend. It was pretty surreal to hear that from a fan base that is at the top of the mountain in college football.

7) I'm wrapping this up a little early than usual, but my final thought is this: I have never been a part of a season like this in my young life. At 29 years old, I witnessed a multitude of awesomeness from those student-athletes sporting the Tiger Paw. An undefeated regular season for the first time in my lifetime. A second ACC championship in five years. A first-time Playoff game in the tournament's second season leading to a second Orange Bowl victory in three years. And a national title appearance, the first since the 1981 season. What a ride this year was. Thank you all for reading my thoughts week in and week out. I'm already looking forward to the 2016 college football season.

But my biggest thanks goes to the team. Thank you for providing me one of the most thrilling rides of my life. Not many people get to experience their alma mater have the kind of season you did, nor do they get to go see their team play for the championship. I fully expect this won't be the last time I get to be on board for something like this and maybe next time we'll get the ultimate trophy. Hey, why not next year? Let's do it again. I'm still #ALLIN! CU in Tampa!


-BtW

PTS - Prediction Time Sunday

On the eve of the College Football National Championship Game, I sit in Phoenix trying to wrap my head around the fact that Clemson and Alabama are the final two teams standing. What a fun season it has been. These two teams have proven their worth over the course of 14 games. One final game until we crown our national champion.

Bowl record: 11-7

Overall: 87-37 (.702 win %)

National Championship Game - Glendale, Ariz.

No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Clemson (Line: Alabama -7)

Clemson has had a good team recently, but the Tigers became great with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Watson became just the third player in FBS history to pass for over 3,500 yards and rush for over 1,000. When the Tigers have the ball, the offense runs through Watson. Alabama will key on him and attempt to stuff him and Wayne Gallman to force Clemson into passing downs. Watson is a better than average passer, but too many third-and-longs would be tough to overcome against the Tide.

Dabo Swinney has Clemson in the National Championship Game
for the first time since the 1981 season.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

For Alabama, it’s all about giving Derrick Henry the ball as many times as possible. Henry, the Heisman Trophy winner, and the Alabama offensive line wear down defenses over the course of the game. They rely on their defense to get stops quickly and get back on the field to pound the ball some more. And just when you think that’s all they do, quarterback Jake Coker puts the ball in the air to many receiving threats, including freshman sensation Calvin Ridley.

Nick Saban seeks his fourth national title with the Crimson Tide.
(Photo courtesy The Associated Press)

I’ve looked at this every way I possibly can and despite the fact that Henry has the Heisman, I truly believe two things: 1) Watson is the best player on the field and 2) Watson is much more important to his team.

That said, this game should be a fun one from all angles. Alabama’s vaunted defense against Clemson’s uptempo, spread offense. The Tide’s power running game against the No. 6 defense in the country. Both teams with proverbial chips on their shoulders. 

A duel in the desert. And Clemson completes the perfect 15-0 season. Clemson 27, Alabama 23

-BtW

I still remember

Dreadful. Agonizing. Embarrassing.

The paralyzing feeling I had walking out of the Georgia Dome the night of August 30, 2008, is something I'd never felt before as a sports fan.

Alabama 34, Clemson 10.

"HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE JUST BEAT THE HELL OUTTA YOU! RAMMER JAMMER YELLOW HAMMER GIVE 'EM HELL ALABAMA!"

It echoes to this day. It haunts my dreams. They sure did beat the hell out of us.

My senior year of school started as the most promising in recent memory in terms of Clemson football. Our Tigers were ranked No. 9 in the preseason polls, what with 16 starters back including every offensive skill player - CJ Spiller, James Davis, Aaron Kelly to name a few - and an incoming class that would produce incredible talent a few years later.

Clemson was on its way to prominence. Opening the season with Alabama in the Dome was a mere blip on the radar.

Nick Saban was entering just his second season in Tuscaloosa. His first produced a 7-6 campaign and the interwebs were abound with rumors of his recruiting tactics. Players were driving in Escalades and receiving $100 handshakes every where they turned.

But the Tide were a year away and the recruits Saban brought to Alabama would need time to develop and turn the 12-time National Champions back into a contender.

--

I ran into more than one obnoxious Alabama fan that Saturday in Atlanta. They were proclaiming they were back, that Saban was a God-send. Well-known recruit Julio Jones was the best player who hadn't played a down in college football. Terrance Cody was the monster inside Bama needed to shore up its defense.

It was all speculative, but Alabama fans aren't ones to hide their optimism. They'd waited more than a decade to get back to relevance and this was it.

I ignored their ramblings and trash talk. Let it all play out on the field. We've got Thunder and Lightning. We've got weapons at receiver and a veteran quarterback. We've got a defense that is ready to jump to the next level.

My brother and me in the Georgia Dome hours before kickoff in 2008.

Sure, it was Alabama. But the Tide were at a breaking point. Another year or two of mediocrity and they'd slip into oblivion just as Notre Dame has done. We were here to prove we could beat more SEC teams than just South Carolina.

This was our time. This was our season. We would have the crowd advantage, the skill player advantage and the scoreboard advantage.

--

After a Tide field goal on the opening drive, it was the Tigers' turn. What an exciting moment this would be. Finally, a long offseason of build-up and chatter about having the best offense in Clemson history would be unleashed.

First down. Incomplete pass.

Second down. Fumble.

Freshman running back Jamie Harper had been reportedly promised the first carry of the season by Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden. He got it. And his Clemson career got off to the rockiest of starts.

The next four Tiger offensive drives resulted in one field goal, one interception and two punts. Total yards: 71.

Halftime score: Alabama 23, Clemson 3.

By that point, it was over. We had nothing. We were doing nothing. This was Alabama's night to party on. We were back to the drawing boards.

I screamed. I cursed. I left my seat about five rows up in the end zone and found a spot in the bowels of the Dome to sulk.

I was embarrassed for my team. We talked the talk and walked with our tiger tails tucked between our legs.

--

Still sitting there fuming over the inevitable, I heard a roar from what sounded like our side of the stadium. Were our fans that silly to be cheering on our team coming back out of the tunnel after halftime?

As I slowly got to my feet, Clemson fans went racing past me having seen the action unfold on one of the concourse TVs. Spiller returned the opening kickoff of the second half 96 yards for a touchdown.

Life was breathed back into the orange faithful. How could I have given up on my team just one half into the season? What kind of fan am I?

The little voice inside my head then screamed at me, "GET BACK IN YOUR SEAT AND WATCH THE SECOND HALF!"

We forced a punt! Oh my goodness, we get the ball back with a chance to get within a touchdown of the lead!

Two drives later, it became crystal clear we weren't going to do this comeback thing. Alabama scored again to extend the lead to 31-10 late in the third quarter.

--

We were bullied on and off the field that night. Final rushing totals - Alabama 239, Clemson 0. Goose egg. Nil. Nada. Zip.

That Rammer Jammer chant grew louder with each verse. I sat on the empty Clemson side and soaked it all in. I made sure to remember the feeling. The clock was well past 0:00. There was little to no orange left inside the Georgia Dome. The party on the Crimson Tide sideline reached fever pitch.

"HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE JUST BEAT THE HELL OUTTA YOU!"

My roommate and I finally got the strength to get up out our seats and walk a lonely walk back to our car. We drove back to Clemson that night in complete silence. I don't know if we couldn't find the words to say or if we simply didn't want to talk about it at all.

Darkness and silence the entire drive up I-85 from Atlanta to Clemson.

--

Eight full seasons later, here we are. The rematch is set.

No. 1 and undefeated Clemson out to shock the world.

No. 2 Alabama seeking its fourth crown under Saban.

It is perfect harmony that these two programs clash for college football's greatest achievement. Two programs headed in completely opposite directions that fateful night in 2008 will renew acquaintances on the biggest stage with the brightest lights.

All the world will be watching as the Tigers and the Tide tango in the desert. You bet your bottom dollar I'll be at University of Phoenix Stadium dressed to the nines in Solid Orange.

It's time to make another memory. It's time to put that nightmare to bed. It's time to make January 11, 2016, be the night that makes us forget August 30, 2008. It's time for Clemson to rise to the top.

Remember 2008. Make them never forget 2016.

It's our time.

National Championship Preview: Alabama O vs. Clemson D

We know when Clemson's offense takes the field against Alabama's defense, it will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2016 National Championship Game. The matchup has received the bulk of the analyzing by the talking heads thus far, and rightfully so.

Now, we reverse the script and take a look at when the Crimson Tide possess the ball. On paper, this looks like a mismatch. Clemson boasts the sixth best defense in the country compared to Alabama's 51st ranked offense. Is this where the Tigers have the upperhand?

Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
Total Offense Rank: 51st
Total Yards Per Game: 423.8
Yards Per Play: 5.83
Rushing Offense Rank: 29th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 204.4
Passing Offense Rank: 68th
Passing Yards Per Game: 219.4
Scoring Offense Rank: 33rd
Points Per Game: 34.4

Clemson Tigers Defense
Total Defense Rank: 6th
Total Yards Per Game: 301.6
Yards Per Play: 4.71
Rushing Defense Rank: 18th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 124.4
Passing Defense Rank: 9th
Passing Yards Per Game: 177.2
Scoring Defense Rank: 16th
Points Per Game: 20.0

*Stats/Rankings include bowl games

The surprising stat here is Alabama's rushing offense ranks 29th overall despite having the Heisman Trophy winner in the backfield in Derrick Henry. Through 14 games, Henry has rushed for over 2,000 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Impressively, Henry has 25 touchdown runs, averaged 25 carries a game and was held under 100 yards just four times, three of which came against either non-Power 5 or non-FBS foes.

To say Henry might be all Alabama has wouldn't be far from the truth. Jake Coker had his coming out party in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns while connecting on 25 of his 30 throws. But while Coker has been very consistent all year and been labeled a game-manager, as many past Tide QBs have, the Alabama offense revolves around Henry.

Following the Tide's loss to Ole Miss, six of the next seven games saw Coker's Adjusted QBR range from 20.1 to 76.8 Compare that to Clemson signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who's QBR never dipped below 74.1 and was under 80 just four games.

What Coker found over the latter part of the season was a weapon at the receiver position. Freshman wideout Calvin Ridley developed into Coker's go-to guy. Ridley leads the team in receptions (83), yards (1,031) and touchdowns (7).

Calvin Ridley could be the key to Alabama taking down Clemson.
(Photo courtesy Reuters)

How does Clemson combat the Heisman winner, a consistent quarterback and elite talent at the skill position?

With a defense that mirrors that of Alabama. We've heard about the depth up front for the Tide. Did you know Clemson has depth too? You didn't?

Neither did anyone who saw Shaq Lawson leave the game after the third drive with a knee injury and watched some freshman trot on the field at the Orange Bowl. That's OK. Austin Bryant filled in nicely for the All-American Lawson and Bryant's not the only guy who has stepped up when his number was called. While Clemson's depth lacks experience, it doesn't lack talent.

What the Tigers have on defense is a group playing every down with a chip on its collective shoulder. After losing eight starters from the nation's best defense a season ago, Brent Venables' crew went to work. All they did was lead the country in tackles for loss and rank second third down defense percentage.

The Tide get all the buzz, but the Tigers have some big boys up front on defense, too.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

When Clemson lines up with Alabama across the field, the Tide may for a split second think they're facing their own defense. Run the ball with Henry? Meet Lawson, Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Kevin Dodd. Drop back to pass? Hope Ben Boulware or BJ Goodson don't take your head off. Send receivers down field in one-on-one coverage? The secondary is littered with NFL talent from Mackensie Alexander to Jayron Kearse.

Yes, the Tigers have a decided edge when their defense is on the field. The key will be getting off the field on third downs and limiting Alabama's chances in the red zone. I expect Coker to hit some passes and be somewhere around 175-185 yards. I expect Henry will get his yards as well, roughly 125.

If Bama forces its way inside the 20 often, Henry will be fed the rock and will pound away at the Tiger D. Too many red zone trips will result in too many trips to the end zone.

But the Tigers are up to the task. After slowing down a red hot Oklahoma offense, why wouldn't Clemson be able to slow down Alabama?

Advantage: Clemson


-BtW

National Championship Preview - Clemson O vs. Alabama D

Five days from now, the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in all the land square off in the 2016 National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The undefeated Clemson Tigers (14-0) are a touchdown underdog against college football's poster program, the Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1).

Both teams have been ranked in the College Football Playoff Committee Top 4 since the initial ranking. Clemson was No. 1 in every ranking, while Alabama debuted at No. 4 then jumped to No. 2 in the second ranking and held onto that spot the rest of the season.

Coming off dominating wins over Oklahoma and Michigan State, the Tigers and Tide should provide us with one of the best championship matchups in recent memory. I'll start my breakdown by looking at Clemson's high-powered offense against Alabama's vaunted defense.

Clemson Tigers Offense
Total Offense Rank: 11th
Total Yards Per Game: 512.0
Yards Per Play: 6.39
Rushing Offense Rank: 16th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 228.6
Passing Offense Rank: 26th
Passing Yards Per Game: 283.4
Scoring Offense Rank: 16th
Points Per Game: 38.4

Alabama Crimson Tide Defense
Total Defense Rank: 2nd
Total Yards Per Game: 256.8
Yards Per Play: 4.09
Rushing Defense Rank: 1st
Rushing Yards Per Game: 70.8
Passing Defense Rank: 18th
Passing Yards Per Game: 186.0
Scoring Defense Rank: 1st
Points Per Game: 13.4

*Stats/Rankings include bowl games

As you can see, it's strength on strength. Clemson fans know the offense revolves around Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman. The Tigers racked up 312 yards on the ground in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma. Watson and Gallman attained 295 of that, along with three rushing touchdowns. The starting quarterback was slow out of the gate throwing the ball, starting just 2-for-8 and finishing with 187 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.

Backfield duo Deshaun Watson (4) and Wayne Gallman face their stiffest test
in the form of the Alabama defense.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

But the damage was done on the ground. Behind one of the most underrated offensive lines in college football, the Tigers pounded and pounded against the Sooner front, eventually wearing down OU.

Enter Alabama and arguably the most ferocious front seven in the game. In 2014, Clemson ranked first in total defense, holding opponents to about 260 yards per game. That defense was fierce and clamped down on any and every opponent.

The Tide are that much better. Leonard Fournette was the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman. Then, he met Alabama's defense and rushed for 31 yards ... total. In the Cotton Bowl, Michigan State was held to 29 rushing yards for the game.

Just when opponents think, "Hey, we might not be able to run it, but we can try to pass," the Tide swarm the quarterback and cause havoc in the backfield. What makes this unit unique is its depth. Alabama rolls out three-deep on the defensive line and most of those No. 2s and 3s could be starters elsewhere.

Speed kills and while Clemson has speed at the skill position, Alabama can match it. Lineman Jonathan Allen (12 sacks), linebacker/defensive end Tim Williams (10.5 sacks) and defensive back Cyrus Jones are just a few names the Tigers need to know. Trust me, though, the list continues on and on.

Alabama's defense hopes to stymie Clemson's high-powered offense.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

All week long, Alabama players and coaches are hearing about how the spread, uptempo offense was built to beat defenses like the Tide's. They've struggled in the past against true dual-threat quarterbacks. Ole Miss exposed them this year. The Tide are hearing it all. Just more motivation for a team hungry to prove to the world they are the best.

The way co-offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott can gain an advantage is to give Alabama a wrinkle it hasn't seen. Yes, Clemson will be Clemson and the running game will be a big part of the plan. But the Tigers would be keen to stretch the field and force the Crimson Tide to remove a player or two from the box. That means three- and four-wide receiver sets, along with tight end Jordan Leggett and Gallman running pass routes. Artavis Scott and Charone Peake will be keyed on by the Bama secondary, so the likes of Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and Germone Hopper need to find openings downfield.

Easier said than done.

Clemson, though, already has an advantage. It has Watson, who remains as cool as the other side of the pillow when under pressure. Watson doesn't flinch. The sophomore has been on big stages before and thrived.

Advantage: Slight to Alabama - but not by much. Make no mistake, Watson is the best quarterback in the country and will have an effect on this game.

-BtW