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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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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

#4 Bo Goes Smashmouth

No team does smashmouth football as well as Alabama. The Tide has three running backs who have averaged at least 6.6 yards-per-carry this season: Damien Harris at a 7.2-yard average; and Bo Scarbrough and Josh jacobs both with a 6.6-yard average.

Alabama’s had over 500 rushing attempts going into the Peach Bowl, but  Scarbrough had carried the ball only 90 times.

Why is Bo suddenly perceived as the key to taking down the Clemson Tigers? The answer is yards-after-contact.   120 of them to be exact, against Washington. Bo’s runs exhibited unquestioned power but also great balance and even some finesse moves when needed.

Last season Alabama’s rushing attack resided on the broad frame of Derrick Henry (395 carries), leaving Bo with only 18 rushes for the season.  Kenyan Drake and Damien Harris contributed more than Bo.

Even with the exit of the Heisman trophy winner, Bama can still go into Beast mode at running back. Harris and Jacobs have different running styles than Bo, but they are effective, strong runners.  The playing rotation keeps them all fresh. In Monday’s 4th quarter a fresh Bo Scarbrough, against a tiring Clemson defense, is a sure recipe for chunks of yards after contact.

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