Meredith Hornsby, Bama Hammer Contributor @DivineMrsMH
I hate predicting these games. I really hate predicting these games. Can I say it again? I hate predicting these games. I think there’s really no way to know what will happen Monday night, but here’s my best breakdown.
If you look at head-to-head competition as an indicator, Bama should lose. Clemson beat Auburn. Auburn beat Alabama. Ergo, Clemson beats Alabama. I think I remember an algorithm like this from algebra or some other random math class.
The problem with that logic is that it doesn’t take the actual game play into account, either time.
Particularly, it doesn’t look at the few pivotal plays that occurred in the Iron Bowl leading to the Crimson Tide loss. I could go into detail, but this guy does it WAY better. Click on the link to his Storify. Your mind will be blown:
We do have several things going for us that we didn’t earlier in the season. First of all, we’ve had a month to rest and recover, so our guys should be at their healthiest. Second, we’ve had a month to focus solely on Clemson; watching film, analyzing their game, designing plays specifically to combat Dabo and the Tigers. And, hopefully, our O-Line will show up this time. Pierschbacher, I’m looking at you.
To be completely honest, I just don’t feel it. I wish I could say I do, but I don’t. I think it will be a hard-fought battle for an amazing third year in a row; however, ultimately, I’m afraid Clemson comes out on top. As I said from the start, I really, really hate predicting these games, and this time, I really, really hope that I’m wrong.
Final Score: Clemson 34, Alabama 27.
Christopher Dodson, Bama Hammer Contributor @djcdod
As often as Clemson and Alabama play, we need to see a home-and-home series. Everybody complaining about weak schedules would shut up really quickly.
This series of games in the College Football Playoff has been definitely thrilling. I would love to see that translate in the regular season. Even last year, when Alabama came up just short of winning the ‘16 CFP, you couldn’t help but feel proud of the effort that this team put together.
Part three should be no different.
Hurts has the experience under the huge spotlight, and this team is eager to get back what’s rightfully theirs. Clemson is a little different with no Deshaun Watson behind center, but that doesn’t mean it’s any more scary. The biggest question mark for Clemson: How does Kelly Bryant preform against a more healthy Alabama defense?
Personally, I think he will perform very well. Yes, Alabama is better when the LB unit isn’t bruised and battered. I don’t think it’s that much of a significant difference, however. Yet, even though Bryant isn’t Watson, he’s dynamic enough to keep this defense on its toes. The ball is spread a bit more with Clemson, so it’s difficult to predict where it will go.
Still, this will be as close as games one and two. I think Alabama pulls it out, if barely, and comes out smelling like Sugar. Alabama 31-27 to face Georgia in Atlanta come January 8th.
Michael Parham, Bama Hammer Contributor @MikeJParham
Clemson vs. Alabama part three is going to follow suit with the past two meeting and will be won late in the fourth quarter.
With Alabama’s banged up defense, containing Kelly Bryant and that Clemson offense won’t be easy.
This game will come down to the play of Jalen Hurts, the offensive line’s pass protection, and how the running backs are utilized. In order for the Tide to be victorious the offensive line has to play their best game of the season against a very good Clemson defensive line.
This will, no doubt, be a nail biting, edge-of-your-seat type of game for both fan bases. Alabama hasn’t lost two games in a row since 2013, and it will stay that way this year.
PREDICTION: Alabama 34 Clemson 27