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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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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; Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Clemson’s defensive pressure shuts down Alabama’s solid offense.

The Clemson Tigers defense pitched their third shutout of the season against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes’ 14th-ranked scoring offense in the FBS looked relatively average against the Clemson defense. They had 11 tackles for loss, forcing three turnovers and three sacks.

The Clemson Tigers defense will need to keep the pressure going they had in the final stretch to pull off the upset against Alabama. The Tigers defense ranks second in the FBS in tackles for loss (123) and third in sacks (49) this season. Defensive ends Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence have combined for 17 sacks on the defensive line for Clemson.

In their last four games, the Clemson Tigers defense has allowed 13.8 points per game and 254 total yards of offense. The Ohio State Buckeyes, who average 213.9 rushing yards, only gained 88 total rushing yards against the Clemson defense.

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The Tigers are ready to prove they can win this time around after their Fiest Bowl shutout victory. If they can keep up the defensive pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts and company, they will show fans they are the team that can dethrone Alabama.

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