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Clemson’s blueprint to upsetting Alabama: 3 Ways The Tigers Pull Off An Upset

By Jerran Anderson

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson Tigers are back in the National Championship game in a rematch against the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers are peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball.

Despite all of the criticism, head coach Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers face the Alabama Crimson Tide again in the National Championship. They began the 2016 season a bit sluggish on offense, but as the season progressed, things got better.

The Tigers won their first two games over Auburn and Troy by a combined 12 points. But after their 59-0 victory over FCS South Carolina State, they got it together on both sides of the ball.

The Tigers went 4-0 against ranked opponents this season. They beat the fifth-ranked Louisville Cardinals in a 42-36 shootout on October 1. A few weeks later, they beat 12th-ranked Florida State 37-34 on October 28. In the ACC Championship game, the Tigers held on late to beat the 19th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies 42-35.

Clemson’s greatest victory of the season, however, holds the blueprint in what it will take to beat Alabama. The Tigers’ defense pitched a 31-0 shutout in the Fiesta Bowl against the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. It is the first time head coach Urban Meyer has ever been shut out in his career.

The Tigers are peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball. The offense, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, put up 24 first downs and 470 yards of total offense.

The Buckeyes defense, despite forcing two turnovers, looked like they couldn’t keep up. They hadn’t given up more total yards of offense or first downs in any of their previous games. The 31 points allowed were the most allowed all season by Ohio State as well.

As pressure came on the defensive side, the offensive poured on more points on the other side of the ball. As the Tigers enter their National Championship rematch with Alabama, their previous performances loom huge in what should be a close game.

Here is the Clemson Tiger’s blueprint to upsetting Alabama.

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