Swinney faces former team in Clemson’s push for National Championship

Two days before No. 2 Alabama flies out to Phoenix for the College Football Playoff national championship game, coach Nick Saban held his final press conference in Tuscaloosa.

Miller is pulling for the top-ranked Tigers against Alabama in Monday’s title game even though he calls himself a “huge” Crimson Tide fan.

CBS Sports college football writers Tom Fornelli, Chip Patterson and Robby Kalland each weigh in with their hottest angle on Monday’s big game. Deshaun Watson was able to work through his reads without serious pressure (32 attempts, one sack).

Five games after the loss against Alabama, Bowden resigned under pressure and Swinney was named Clemson’s interim coach. After 30 years as head coach (1940-69), he hired former Alabama player Hootie Ingram, who coached at Clemson for three seasons (1970-72).

Many quarterbacks are called “dual-threats”, but Watson is one of the few that actually deserves that designation.

Alabama quarterback Jake Coker (14) smiles after the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Michigan State, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Arlington, Texas.

If the Tide can make Watson one-dimensional, expect another blowout win. But if it’s unable to do so… look out for the Tigers.

Alabama opened as a seven-point favorite over Clemson, but that won’t matter.

Starting in 2011, Clemson has won at least 10 games every season. Allen is the Tide’s most explosive rusher off the edge, with the range and the lateral quickness to flush Deshaun Watson from the pocket. He coached for Alabama.

Now Clemson Tigers’ linebacker Eric Mac lain thinks the Tide will have no answer for rushing defense because the Tide hasn’t faced anyone. That group was led by Timmy Jernigan, Mario Edwards, Lamarcus Joyner and Christian Jones (with future stars DeMarcus Walker, Ronald Darby and Jalen Ramsey seeing significant time as well). If not, Clemson very well could earn its second national title (1981).

To stop this Alabama offense, it all starts up front. “I’m sure our guys will be motivated, trying to do the best they can to play the best they can in the game”. If he doesn’t suit up, it’s hard to imagine a more impactful defensive injury for the Tigers. Clemson battled back and forth with Oklahoma for a half but pulled away to a comfortable win in the second half. “That’s how”, junior defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson said.

As was made evident in the semifinal games, when the best players on the best teams show up and play up to their capability, wins follow. But, the offensive line is just as good.

The coach said he began pushing players to think about a 15-0 season in August. Alabama’s defense has thrived because the Tide rarely have to commit more than four rushers.

Swinney pointed out that the Tigers will not have class Friday, and Clemson and Alabama will have the same schedule leading up to the game once they arrive in Arizona on Friday.

Spread attacks have been successful against Alabama in the past. The Clemson offensive line has to get the ground game going early. Watson is complimented in the backfield by Wayne Gallman who has rushed for 1,482 yards this season.

Barkin said they will send the shirts back to the vendor if Alabama loses, resulting in lost labor time for Shoe Station and material and printing costs for the vendor. Cain will have to make the decision to grow up if the hopes to play for the Tigers next season, Swinney said.