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College Football Playoff: Five Players to Watch in the National Championship

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The College Football National Championship stage is set. Here’s a quick look at some of the premier talent to watch from Clemson and Alabama.

The rematch of last year’s 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship between Clemson and Alabama is just hours away. Alabama won 45-40 in last season’s matchup, but this time around, Clemson has prepared all season for this moment. Alabama is seeking its fifth national title in the past eight seasons. Clemson is searching for their first national championship since 1981.

In last season’s game, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was responsible for 478 total yards and four touchdowns, pushing the Crimson Tide defense to the brink. This season, boasting some new and refined weapons on offense, Watson is looking to pull off the upset victory.

However, the Alabama defense is stingier than ever this season, allowing just 238.1 yards of offense per game. They lost safety Eddie Jackson to a broken leg, but cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick has stepped up. They’re a deep team on defense and it’s been a scary sight to behold.

Behind freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Alabama offense made progressive strides as a unit. Hurts earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year in his first season as a starter. He threw for over 2,000 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns and ran for another 891 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground. He led the offense all season long, but they’ve yet to face a defense of Clemson’s caliber this season.

Tonight’s game should be fun to watch. Here are five impact players to watch for in tonight’s National Championship Game.

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