Clemson might need a trick play or two to win this one
Three things to watch in Monday’s College Football Playoffs national championship game between Clemson and Alabama:
Clemson’s dare-to-be-great play-calling
As one-sided as Clemson’s victory over Oklahoma appeared at the end of the Orange Bowl, the Tigers trailed early and needed a first-half boost. A fake punt that ended up a reception for a defensive lineman was a momentum-changer.
Nick is Nick
Alabama coach Nick Saban has been a dominant force in college football, winning titles with two schools. It might work in Clemson’s favor that Saban and his staff haven’t had a month to break down film, as they it had for the semifinal matchup with Michigan State.
How well and how much will Shaq Lawson play?
Shaq Lawson, Clemson’s best pass rusher, suffered an MCL sprain in the victory against Oklahoma. He’ll try to play against Alabama, but the real question is how effective he’ll be and how many snaps he’ll be up to playing.
Clemson vs. Alabama
Where:
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
When:
Monday, 8:30 p.m.
Watch:
ESPN
This story was originally published January 10, 2016 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Clemson might need a trick play or two to win this one."