Staff Predictions for Alabama/Clemson
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers will meet for the third straight season down in New Orleans and both teams are heading into the Sugar Bowl evenly matched.
Here is who the Tide 102.9 staff has coming out of New Orleans with the victory and will head to Atlanta for the championship game.
Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz
The rubber match will go a long way towards settling who is the dominant program in the new era of the CFB Playoffs. The winner will play for its third straight national title. The national media and many local guys have major concern over whether the Tide can get the job done. With both teams being extremely talented, I think it comes down to the fundamentals of football, running the ball, stopping the run and playing well on special teams. The Tide will come into this game as the healthiest they have been since the Opener. With Jeremy Pruitt wanting to leave in a high note, Daboll wanting to show he belongs, Saban wanting to prove he is the King of College Football and the players wanting to show they belong in the Playoffs, it doesn’t bode well for Clemson. Bama puts together the best performance they’ve had with Jalen Hurts at the helm. It will take his best performance, along with a heavy dose of Bama RBs to win this game. Going against all the noise? I’m picking Bama in a 2 score victory. Bama avenges last year’s loss and advances to an all SEC Title Game against the Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama 27 - Clemson 17
Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show
Alabama and Clemson will meet for the third straight year on Monday night in New Orleans. The last two meetings decided the National Championship while this game is for a trip to the Title Game in Atlanta. Alabama won a thriller over the Tigers two seasons ago in Phoenix while Clemson came back to top the Tide in the final seconds last season in Tampa. The question is which team will win this time around? I'm taking the Tide in another instant classic. Alabama 24 - Clemson 23
Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports
Lowest confidence level I’ve had in picking Alabama in probably a decade. In a surprise, the Crimson Tide finds a way to navigate Clemson’s ferocious defensive front four and does just enough to advance to Atlanta. Alabama 24 - Clemson 21
Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach
Alabama will be hard pressed to have consistent success on offense against the best defense it will have played all season. If Alabama gets into the 20s, it has a chance. Alabama 23 - Clemson 21
Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game
Almost all things in New Orleans points to a Clemson victory, the Tigers have plenty of confidence that has shown up several times with media opportunities. The team motto is “Leave no doubt,” which confirms the confidence the Tigers have put on display. I am not convinced the Tide is just going to take a whipping without putting up a good fight on Monday evening. I have never seen a Nick Saban team roll over and play dead and I do not think it is going to happen against the Tigers. Alabama finds a way to revenge last year’s loss with a close victory. Alabama 24 - Clemson 21
Marquis Munson, Brand Manager
Clemson defense is something to worry about in this game, I think they have one of the best defense's in the country. Although Alabama is missing a lot on defense and their offense didn't perform well against Auburn, I think they've learned their lessons from that game and will use that as motivation for this one. Alabama 21 - Clemson 17
Ben George, Digital Managing Editor
I’ve gone back and forth on this prediction all week because neither outcome would surprise me one but. Ultimately, it came down to Alabama getting healthy on defense which should allow them to get a pass rush for the first time since LSU. Add in the motivation of playing Clemson again and the fact that the team appears focused this week, and I’m going with the Tide. But the offense will have to step up and strong together some long scoring drives. Alabama 27 - Clemson 24
Josh Smith, Producer
The Committee spoke, wanting (arguably more than Dabo) another installment of the Alabama-Clemson saga. Like any good movie, the avid fan views previous installments multiple times. Analyzing statistics, making predictions about what will unfold next. Yes, noting how key special teams were to the Crimson Tide two years ago. Of course, referencing the last-second effort made by a victorious Clemson last year. All eyes will be waiting to watch the battle in the trenches. In my opinion, that is where the game will be decided. Alabama will come out refocused with motivation to prove their selves after the previous losses to both Auburn last game and Clemson in the finale last year. Alabama's offensive line will need to provide immensely better protection for Hurts. If Clemson can provide consistent pressure on Jalen Hurts, similar to the way they played against the Auburn Tigers quarterback Jarrett Stidham; they will control the game. Auburn proved that with consistent pressure against Hurts, Alabama's offense stalls. Only converting three third downs on eleven attempts will not cut it against any team. I think it will be a high pressure, let the dogs loose defensive game on both sides. Though they will need to make three game-changing plays. Whether that is creating turnovers, or creating and taking advantage of field position with special teams. Alabama 35 - Clemson 31
Thomas Paradiso, Producer
The Sugar Bowl. Alabama vs Clemson for a 3rd time. What can be said about these 2 dominant teams that hasn't already been spoken? Long story short, both the Alabama offense and defense better be ready to go. Clemson is ranked No. 1 in the nation for a reason. The last time we saw the Crimson Tide, they looked shaky at best in the Iron Bowl. While I believe the Tide will win, this one will still be very close. Alabama 24 - Clemson 21
James Hardy, Producer
Two of the college football's best programs meet once again in the College Football Playoff. While most of the questions for Alabama revolve around the effectiveness of Jalen Hurts in the passing game and the injuries on defense, the real question to be answered inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome is can the Crimson Tide win the line of scrimmage offensively and defensively? Clemson has four starters returning along their offensive line and has one of the best defensive lines that Alabama has faced all season. If the Crimson Tide can not hold their own up front, they will be singing the blues in New Orleans. Clemson 27 - Alabama 23