The most highly anticipated bowl game of the 2016 college bowl season came and went.
The national title game was close and was also a hard fought battle for both of the teams. The final score of the game was 45-40 in Alabama’s favor and Nick Saban received his fourth national title in seven years.
Clemson’s defense came into the national title game ranked eight-teenth in the nation allowing just under a hundred-twenty five rushing yards a game. He left early in Clemson’s 37-17 win vs Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, who would be limited against Alabama. Clemson also appeared weak against the run allowing 242 rushing yards against Syracuse and 181 against South Carolina. “I would like Clemson to win the game. I think that they’re feeding off that underdog mentality and they can also shock a lot of people. They also have a Heisman Trophy finalist in Deshaun Watson at quarterback who’s great, and their defense is pretty underrated,” senior Somi Ogobozor said.
On the other side of the football, Alabama’s offense was led by 6-foot-3 and 240 pound Heisman Trophy winning running back, Derrick Henry. Henry also broke the SEC record for single season rushing yards and touchdowns, about 900 of his 2,000 plus yards this year have come after contact, which is more than the other power 5 players in the NCAA. Another player that has been breaking out lately for the Tide is freshman wide receiver in Calvin Ridley. Ridley headed into the game with 83 receptions, 1031 yards with seven touchdowns. He also destroyed Michigan State’s defense on Dec. 31 with 138 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-0 shutout in the Cotton Bowl.
“I believe that the University of Alabama will barely win. Alabama has one if not the best defense in college football right now. Alabama’s defense is able to shut down the run and the pass and Clemson has never really gone up against an SEC defense all year. Alabama also has Derrick Henry that can power through the defensive line,” senior Austin Detloff said.