The Clemson Tigers put their perfect record (14-0) and 17-game win streak on the line when they battle it out with the Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1) for a chance to close out the season with a CFP Championship victory. The game kicks off Monday, Jan 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPN.
In its last game, Clemson routed Oklahoma 37-17. Wayne Gallman had a big game running the ball in the victory, rushing 26 times for 150 yards and two TDs. Hunter Renfrow added 59 receiving yards and a TD on four receptions. In its last game, Alabama won big over Michigan State 38-0. Calvin Ridley had an outstanding performance for the Crimson Tide, totaling eight catches for 138 yards and two TDs. Jake Coker had a big game as well, totaling 286 yards and two TDs through the air.
The Crimson Tide take on the Tigers as a seven-point favorite this week. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is 53 points.
The Tigers enter the game with records of 14-0 Straight Up (SU) and 7-7 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The Tigers are averaging an impressive 554.2 total yards in the last five games. Turning to the Tigers defense, there are several areas to keep an eye on. The Tigers have the fifth-best pass defense in the nation and give up 166.9 yards per game through the air.
On the other side, the Crimson Tide have 13-1 SU and 8-6 ATS records this season. In the previous five games, Alabama has a record of 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. Alabama’s running backs and offensive linemen look to keep their rushing attack rolling. Over the past five games, they’ve managed an impressive 220.6 rushing yards per game. The Crimson Tide are also playing better defense than they have all year, only allowing eight PPG over their last five games, which is well under their season average of 13.4 points. Alabama’s defense has also been playing well over the last five games as well. In that span, it has managed to hold its opponents to just 241 total yards per game. The Crimson Tide need to capitalize on takeaway opportunities against the turnover-inclined Tigers, who rank 102nd in the country in turnovers with 1.9 per game. With an average of 119.5 return yards per game (10th-most in the country), Alabama has had a great deal of success with its special teams.
Predictions: SU Winner – Alabama, ATS Winner – Alabama, O/U – Under
Notes
Clemson is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Clemson’s last 10 games.
Both teams are 13-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
The Alabama rush defense is ranked first nationally, and will look to contain the 23rd-ranked ground attack of Clemson.
