Clemson’s star DE injured in Orange Bowl, expects to play against Alabama

Montgomery native Shaun Hamilton posted three tackles in Alabama’s 38-0 win Thursday night over Michigan State.

Danny Ford knows a thing or two about national championships. Clemson defeated Oklahoma 37-17. If there were any last stragglers still doubting Clemson and waiting for the team to fall apart like it would in the past, the Orange Bowl should have answered any and all questions: A sturdy foundation has been built, and Clemson finishes the 2015 calendar year as the most complete team in college football, thanks in part to the rapid growth of the offensive line in front of the rapidly maturing Watson and Gallman. In a typical game, Alabama’s defensive linemen number 11, but Florida coach Jim McElwain quipped that they feel like 30, while lip-reading TV viewers might have read Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook as saying, “They’re (expletive) everywhere”. Overlook them. Keep trying to poke holes in their schedule.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson went over 100 yards in the first half and running back Wayne Gallman would quickly join him eclipsing the century mark in the second.

Later on the same drive, a fake punt fooled the Sooners and turned the game around.

Now, he’s going against the greatest coach of this generation.

It’s the second time in three years that the ACC and SEC have squared off in the national championship – two years ago Florida State beat Auburn 34-31.

“I’m really, really proud of our team”, Alabama coach Nick Saban said during a news conference early Friday morning. For Clemson, they have a tough task ahead, not only did the Cotton Bowl show the world that Jake Coker can step up when he is called on, but it also showed that this team is a two-dimensional team.

Guess it’s time to get used to it, America, and face facts: These Clemson Tigers are pretty darn good. Serving at first on an interim basis, he got the job permanently after leading Clemson to bowl eligibility.

“This game coming up next, everyone will probably pick Alabama but that doesn’t mean [Clemson] can’t win”, he said. Where Mike Williams gets hurt in September and Lakip gets suspended in July and Lakip and Cain each get suspended Tuesday and it just doesn’t matter because walk-ons like Renfrow and Huegel come out of the woodwork to make an impact. It would have made hellish work of the computations of the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Saban said his team came into this playoff with a different attitude. “This is it. This is truly the biggest game of the year, so, we’ll be ready”.

These teams have been on a collision course since Clemson and Alabama were ranked 1-2 in the second College Football Playoff rankings.

“They’re a great running team”.

With Alabama favored by 7 points, Clemson is the underdog for a second straight game.

This semifinal, unlike the Orange Bowl, was a real snoozer for those without rooting interests. Deshaun Watson used his arm to throw for 187 yards and his legs to rush for 149 more. The defense did the rest, shutting down Baker Mayfield and a Sooners offense that was averaging 52 points over its previous seven games.

No big deal, Bob Stoops said, and there was some pregame jabber, too.

However, the Tigers lost defensive end Shaq Lawson, a finalist for the Lombardi and Nagurski awards, who sustained a left knee injury in the first half and did not return. The Sooners (11-2) actually came into the game as favorites, but the Tigers showed their flawless record was no fluke. Soon, we will break down the Tide vs. the Tigers with their styles in contrast both in schematics and in atmosphere, and report from the ground in the desert of Arizona.

“This championship drive, talent doesn’t win the game”, defensive end Eric Striker said.