College Football Playoff: Interviews with Alabama and Clemson Experts
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes halfback Noah Brown (80) runs with the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buckeyes beat the Crimson Tide 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Discussion with Alabama and Clemson Experts concerning the College Football Playoff.
When the College Football Playoff Committee rankings were announced, I thought it would be a good idea to get in touch with FanSided Experts who cover the other teams in the final four. There wasn’t a Washington Expert available to interview but here is what David Wasson of “BamaHammer” and Anthony Messenger who covers the Clemson Tigers at “Rubbing The Rock” had to say about the upcoming playoff.
Let’s begin with what David said about the Alabama Crimson Tide and their situation.
Q: Alabama was obviously going to make the College Football Playoff but what was the initial reaction among the fans when they found out the match-up would be with Washington?
A: It was pretty much fait accompli that Washington was going to be the opponent once most Alabama fans saw the results of Saturday’s championship-week games. Being so SEC-centric, the only time most Crimson Tide fans likely have seen the Huskies was in this week’s Colorado game. So unfamiliarity seems to be the prevailing opinion so far.
Q: Could this be a good match-up for the Tide? If so, why?
A: It is hard to believe ANY team in college football doesn’t present a favorable matchup for Alabama these days. That said, the month between games REALLY helps Alabama get well in its secondary – which has been the lone weak spot across the board.
All-SEC caliber defensive back Marlon Humphrey (hamstring) didn’t play in the SEC Championship Game, and his absence really stretched an already-thin unit even more. Florida used that to its advantage on the opening drive of the game before the Tide switched exclusively to nickel. So Jake Browning has an excellent chance to work the Alabama secondary all night long.
Q: Are there things about Washington that should make Alabama fans a little nervous?
A: Browning, for one. An experienced, patient quarterback has the potential to carve up Alabama. If John Ross was 6-foot-2 instead of 5-11, he could have a monster day. I don’t think any running back with collegiate eligibility raises much concern for Alabama’s run defense.
Washington’s defense looks respectable, but giving Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin (provided he isn’t already at a TBA new job …) a month to scheme against anybody is problematic.
Q: Are there things the Crimson Tide needs to improve on before the playoff?
A: Somehow magically implanting a new dose of confidence into Crimson Tide kicker Adam Griffith would be something, definitely. The Polish Pipsqueak has struggled at various times throughout his career, and definitely did against Florida in Atlanta.
Getting the secondary healed up is a huge priority. And just continuing to manage distractions – which Nick Saban does perhaps better than anyone in the country.
Q: Do you have a “too early prediction” on how the Alabama-Washington game plays out, as well as the chances the Tide will win the National Championship?
A: Too early, indeed! That said, I could see this game going a lot like Alabama’s most recent one. Washington could alter their offensive scheme just enough to move the ball early and score some points while Saban and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt try to adjust. The trick, though, is to counteract that adjustment.
Teams all season have tried and failed. Alabama will do offensively what it has done all season – force Washington’s defense to defend all 53 yards wide. The Huskies better get their cardio in, because they’ll be chasing sideline to sideline for at least the first 30 minutes.
After halftime is where Alabama switches to ground-and-pound a worn-out defense. You know it’s coming. You just can’t do anything about it.
Alabama wins this game in similar fashion – going away. Let’s say 31-14.
Next we will go to Anthony and get his take on the Clemson Tigers who the Ohio State Buckeyes will face.
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Q: Clemson was in the College Football Playoff after their win in the ACC Championship Game but what was the reaction among fans when they found out the match-up would be with Ohio State?
A: Many of the fans were still very excited despite the fact that they pretty much knew Clemson was going to make it in. Multiple fans said that they would have rather have to play PSU or Washington than Ohio State. At the end of the day all Tigers fans were excited to have another shot in the College Football Playoff.
Q: Could this be a good match-up for the Tigers? If so, why?
A: Yes, I think there are specific match-ups that favor Clemson. Ohio State right tackle Isaiah Prince has struggled in pass protection and Clemson’s defensive line is one of the best in the country at getting to the quarterback. I expect Clemson’s offense to have some success against OSU as well. The Buckeyes defense is young and talented, however, Deshaun Watson can put up points against anybody.
Q: Are there things about Ohio State that should make Clemson fans a little nervous?
A: Ohio State’s secondary is full of ball hawks like Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore, which is worrisome for Clemson because of Deshaun Watson’s turnover issues this season. The Buckeyes are +16 in turnover margin, while Clemson is dead even. The Tigers cannot afford to be careless with the football as that could spell serious trouble for them.
Q: Are there things the Tigers need to improve on before the playoff?
A: As I stated before, Clemson can be careless with the football at times. The Tigers must clean that up before taking on Ohio State. Clemson must also work on running the football more effectively. This Tigers offense is at its best when Wayne Gallman and Deshaun Watson are moving the sticks with their legs. The offensive line has to take the fight to Ohio State’s talented defensive line.
Q: Do you have a “too early prediction” on how the Clemson-Ohio State game plays out, as well as the chances the Tigers will win the National Championship?
A: As of right now I expect this game to be low scoring. Both defenses are very good at stopping the run and limiting chunk plays. One of the determining factors in this one will be turnovers. J.T. Barrett is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country with just 5 interceptions on the season, whereas Deshaun Watson has 15 on the year.
The other most important aspect of this game will be either teams ability to run the football. Mike Weber, Curtis Samuel, and J.T. Barrett are all dangerous on the ground, however, Ohio State has struggled to throw the football in their last two outings. Clemson’s best shot at winning will come by forcing Barrett to beat them through the air.
On the flip side, if Clemson can establish the run, it will keep them out of obvious passing situations allowing them to keep Ohio State guessing defensively. Third and long is a death wish against this OSU secondary. I’ll say 30-28 Ohio State at the moment.
I answered a few questions from Anthony as well. Here is that Q & A.
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to throw during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Q: Noah Brown was a force early on in the season, however, he has been relatively quiet as of late. What can Noah Brown’s recent slump be attributed to?
A: With his four touchdown performance against Oklahoma, Noah Brown had everyone’s attention. Opposing teams game-planned against him and dared other wide-outs to beat them. Unfortunately no other wide receiver has stepped up to be that consistent threat unless Curtis Samuel is spread out wide.
Q: Curtis Samuel is the focal point of Ohio State’s offense. With Clemson likely keying on him, what do you expect offensive coordinator Ed Warinner to implement in order to get Samuel the ball in space?
A: Who knows how or when Curtis Samuel will be used? He had better be featured more in the running game though so he will get at least 15 touches. Will Samuel be used early in the game so the Ohio State offense will get on a roll, or later after it has stalled which is too often the case?
Q: When Penn State won the Big Ten Championship last night, was there any worry that Ohio State might not make it in the College Football Playoff?
A: Yes. Would a conference champion knock the Buckeyes out of the playoff for the second consecutive year?
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Q: What are the most important factors in this football game in your opinion?
A: Blocking Clemson’s outstanding edge rushers to give J.T. Barrett some time to throw. Ohio State must also pressure Deshaun Watson. Then, whoever wins the battles between the terrific Clemson receivers and the talented defensive backs for Ohio State. Curtis Samuel getting involved in the offense early on will be very important as well.
Q: What separates Urban Meyer from the other three head coaches in the College Football Playoff?
A: I see traits in Urban Meyer that Nick Saban probably has, but possibly no other coach does to the same extent. Coach Meyer has the ability to become absolutely laser focused on the task at hand, not being concerned about the upcoming game at times but the next drill in practice. His attention to detail is amazing and Urban’s competitive streak is off the chart.
There you have it, some thoughts by guys who follow their respective teams closely. I would like to add a thought about Washington as well.
I had the Huskies as a contender before the season started. They remind me a certain team who squeaked into the playoff in 2014. That team was a big underdog when they played Alabama, and nobody gave them a chance of winning the National Championship. That’s a little scary isn’t it?