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10 Reasons Alabama Will Beat Clemson

By Ronald Evans

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrate with the 2016 CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrate with the 2016 CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian prior to the game against Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian prior to the game against Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

#7 The Sarkisian Wrinkle

In the days after the CFP semi-finals, national, conventional wisdom has changed.  Throughout the season Alabama was thought to be a level above everyone else. Suddenly a growing collection of national pontificators has concluded Alabama is quite vulnerable against Clemson.  More than a few are predicting a Clemson victory.

Ask 100 coaches if team X replaces its offensive coordinator a week before a championship game, can team X win. Probably the great majority would say team X would have no chance of winning. But Alabama is not team X and the Tide will play determined football to correct the offensive inconsistencies evident against Washington.

Sark has been an Alabama staff member since September.  He and Kiffin share similar offensive philosophies. Saban’s timing changed shortly after the Peach Bowl but the decision to change his Offensive Coordinator was made earlier.  Sarkisian has had plenty of time to absorb Alabama’s offensive strategies.

Orchestrating a seven-day transition in offensive coordinators is a substantial challenge.  Fortunately, it is also a challenge for Clemson. Dabo and his staff cannot know what to expect Monday night.  Any changes in the Alabama playbook may only be a couple of plays. At the most opportune moment, a play against an unaware defense can decide a game.

Sark has never called a play for the Tide.  Scrutinizing his play calling tendencies at Washington or USC will be little help to Clemson. Clemson is forced to encounter an unknown situation.

Coaches attempt to have a plan for everything.  Dabo and Venables will attempt to do so Monday night, but the unknown they will face will create doubt.  Doubt can lead to late defensive calls. A few of those indecisive, late calls can influence and perhaps determine the game winner.

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