I’ll take Alabama, but wouldn’t be shocked if Clemson wins

▪  Probably the biggest health question for either team is Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson’s status after he suffered a sprained knee and missed the second half of the Orange Bowl. Lawson expressed some misgivings Saturday at media day, but coach Dabo Swinney was confident Sunday Lawson would play: “We expect him to play. He had a good day” at practice Saturday afternoon.

▪  Lawson has already said he intends to turn pro after the national championship game. Other potential high picks, like Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander, either haven’t decided or haven’t revealed their intentions publicly. Said Swinney, “I pretty much know what everyone’s going to do already.”

▪  Alabama coach Nick Saban said that because the NFL has moved back its draft back to late April, he’d like the league to also move back the deadline for underclassmen to turn pro. The deadline is Jan. 18. Saban doesn’t like the potential distraction this creates at the national championship game.

▪  I think Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the best player in this game, so I certainly won’t be shocked if the Tigers win. But the combination of running back Derrick Henry and the Crimson Tide defense is formidable. My pick: Alabama 30, Clemson 21.

This story was originally published January 10, 2016 at 4:51 PM with the headline "I’ll take Alabama, but wouldn’t be shocked if Clemson wins."