For Alabama football to defeat Clemson, the Crimson Tide must prevail in two key player matchups: Bozeman vs. Dexter Lawrence and Minkah vs. Hunter Renfrow.
Based on SBRodds.com, Alabama football is a three-point favorite against Clemson. Absent a calamitous practice injury, it is uncommon for a No. 1 ranked team to not be favored. Three points is a thin margin but the final outcome could be even tighter.
There will be key matchups all over the field. Both Tide tackles will battle two dominating ends in Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell. Tide cornerbacks must negate Clemson’s wide receiver, Deon Cain. There are other key matchups but two of them have an inordinate importance.
Bradley Bozeman vs. Dexter Lawrence
The Bradley Bozeman vs. Dexter Lawrence battle will be a major determinant in the Tide’s offensive success. At 6-feet-4 and 340 pounds, Lawrence often requires double teams. Much like DaRon Payne, if it takes two to block Lawrence, other defenders have easier access to ball-carriers.
At 6-feet-5 and 315 pounds, Bozeman gives up considerable weight to Lawrence. Bradley has an experience advantage that usually equates to more polished technique. The fifth-year Senior rarely makes a mistake. Per rolltide.com, in 724, 2017 snaps, Bozeman failed to execute his assignment only seven times. That is a proficiency rate of 99 percent.
Even for a second-team All-American, grading that high against the Clemson sophomore, Lawrence is unrealistic. Bozeman just has to be consistently better than Lawrence and not let the Clemson defensive tackle be a disruptive force.
Minkah Fitzpatrick vs. Hunter Renfrow
A couple of disclaimers are in order before more on this matchup. One, the assumption is the Tide will play very little zone coverage. One or more safeties may play some deep zone but the corners and the star position will be in man coverage.
The second assumption is that the Tide’s most versatile and arguably best defender will be assigned to Hunter Renfrow. In the previous two Clemson games, Minkah and Tony Brown struggled to cover Hunter Renfrow. We are guessing the Tide’s plan will be for Minkah to attack Renfrow with tight man coverage and rarely switch off to other duties.
As we mentioned above, Clemson has other receiving weapons. Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud are very talented and explosive receivers. Both can go deep and against one less experienced Tide safety, Clemson will look to hit a home run or two. Perhaps it is a ‘pick your poison’ situation but negating or minimizing the impact of Renfrow with Minkah seems worth the risk.
What about the infamous Clemson pick plays? Zone is a better option than man to combat the pick plays. Plus, there is some belief officials this season are more willing to throw flags for clear offensive receiver infractions.
Next: 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History
Astute Alabama fans may ask why we focused on Lawrence rather than Christian Wilkins. Wilkins is another defensive force and will challenge the Tide’s offensive line. Wilkins is good, very good but Lawrence is more physical.