Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Playoff National Championship: Who has edge at each position?

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide long snapper Cole Mazza (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide long snapper Cole Mazza (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 9
Next
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

The two quarterbacks facing off in this one are going to put on quite a show for the viewing audience. Both Jalen Hurts and Deshaun Watson were Heisman contenders at some point this season while the latter finished second in the voting behind Lamar Jackson.

Let’s start with Hurts. With Jake Coker departing, Nick Saban had a decision to make. Would he choose between some of the talented pocket passers or go a different route with a dual-threat who could open up the offense a bit more? The head coach chose Hurts and it’s been the best decision he’s made all season.

Hurts is one of the best freshmen in the country and he has 34 total touchdowns and over 3,500 all-purpose yards to prove it. However, he struggled against Washington’s aggressive defense in the Peach Bowl.

However, Watson is the better of the two. The junior quarterback is considered a first-round talent and some mock drafts have him going as high as the No. 1 quarterback taken in the top-five this year. He does have his weaknesses, though, such as turnovers, but Watson can take over games with his arm and his legs.

The Heisman finalist has nearly 4,200 yards and 38 passing touchdowns to go along with 586 rushing yards and eight more scores. Oh yeah, and he’s a proven winner.

Edge: Clemson

Home/College Football Playoff