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
5 of 9
Next
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) works at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) works at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

This might be one of the more interesting position battles to watch during the national title game. Both teams have elite defensive lines and young, thin offensive lines, making the trenches an intriguing area to keep an eye on.

Alabama has the best overall offensive lineman in this game in Cam Robinson and arguably the top tackle prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft class. He has the size to dominate the opposition, but with guys like Dexter Lawrence and Carlos Watkins adding pressure, he could make or break his stock.

The Crimson Tide have done a solid job of protecting their mobile quarterback all season long and opening holes for guys like Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough to run through.

Clemson’s line is also extremely young. The left tackle is a sophomore and right tackle is only a freshman and those are arguably the two most important positions on the line. That is really the true difference between these two groups. Clemson’s line hasn’t faced a team like Alabama yet this season, but we will find out just how good, or bad, the Tigers’ grunts really are.

Alabama should have better luck opening up holes for its running backs and keeping Jalen Hurts off his back.

Edge: Alabama

Home/College Football Playoff