The undefeated Clemson Tigers and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide will square off in the desert for the national championship game. These two teams dominated the College Football Playoff semifinals, so expect a tremendous battle at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Clemson (14-0) and Alabama (13-1) will be facing each for the first time since 2008 when Alabama won 34-10 in a game that signaled the CrimsonTide's come back to national prominence under Nick Saban.
Here's everything you need to know about the CFP National Championship game:
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Date and Time: Jan. 11, 8:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
According to Jon Solomon, a sports analyst, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accomplished great feats this season and his No. 1-ranked team is undefeated. In addition, Deshaun Watson continues to impress football fans for his terrific offense. He didn't have the best day passing against Oklahoma, but he managed to make 145 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Watson has enough athleticism that allows him to evade opponents more easily, but he hasn't faced a defense quite like Alabama, which has a special front seven that can physically beat down opponents.
However, it is interesting to note that Clemson is a killer when it comes to key downs. The team ranks second in the nation, allowing opponents to convert just 26% of their chances. "I think Clemson's a fantastic team with a defense can cause problems for the Tide's offense," said Roby Kalland of CBS Sports.
For Alabama Crimson Tide, they can win and cover for two simple reasons: the team has the best set of talented players and strategic head coach. Moreover, Alabama wears opponents down by the rock-solid defense of Derrick Henry and defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson and linebacker Reggie Ragland.
The Tide's front seven indeed came to play versus the Spartans. Alabama's defense held quarterback Connor Cook in check, flustering him with consistent pressure.
Furthermore, the team has efficient player like Jake Coker. In his last three games, he completed 73.2 percent of his passes for 669 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.
If the 23-year-old quarterback plays well and completes more than 75 percent of his passes, like he did in the previous game, there is no way Michigan State, Alabama will win against the top-ranked Clemson, said College football writer Chip Patterson.
