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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 /
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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) sacks Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) during the second half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. The Clemson Tigers defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) sacks Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) during the second half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. The Clemson Tigers defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

The defensive line is about as close of a position battle as there is on the field. Both the Tigers and Crimson Tide boast elite units and it’s hard to truly pick a team that has an edge here.

Alabama has the top defensive lineman in the country in Jonathan Allen who is widely considered to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. While that might seem like enough to give the Crimson Tide the edge, the Tigers have depth up front as well.

Dexter Lawrence, Carlos Watkins, Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell might just make up the most athletic, fearsome front in college football. Well, Alabama has an equally as frightening defensive line and these two are so close in comparison that it’s impossible to pick a winner.

The Crimson Tide rank No. 1 in the country against the run, so Wayne Gallman can basically kiss a final opportunity to improve his draft stock goodbye. Clemson ranks 22nd against the run.

Another example of how close these two are: Alabama and Clemson rank second and third in college football in sacks, respectively. Yeah, these two teams get after the quarterback and the defensive lines have been terrorizing opponents.

As I said earlier, this one is just too close to call and while it might seem like a cop-out to not pick one, the defensive line is a draw.

Edge: Draw

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