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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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Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Controlling the line of scrimmage to limit Watson’s turnovers.

The Clemson Tigers victory in the Fiesta Bowl came because of their ability to control the line of scrimmage on offense. The Tigers tie for first in the FBS in first downs this season with 373.

The Tigers offense used a balanced attack of 24 first downs, 265 passing yards and 205 rushing yards to win the game with relative ease 31-0. Controlling the line of scrimmage is key in winning the National Championship as it will limit turnovers, which hurt them in last year’s game.

When the Clemson Tigers control the line of scrimmage and allow Watson to get some offensive drives going where he doesn’t try to do too much, they win. In their past two games on top of his passing statistics, Watson has 32 carries for 142 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Watson had 15 carries for 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl. Quite frankly, the bigger the game, the more running Watson will do.

Then there’s running back Wayne Gallman. Gallman is on a tear in his last four games. He’s rushed for 417 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on just 76 carries.

Gallman has 1,087 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns this season. With 5.5 rushing yards per carry in 2016, the Tigers will use Gallman to control the line of scrimmage as well. If the Tigers can control the line of scrimmage against a tough Alabama defense, look for them to pull off an upset.

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