Clemson Football: 5 reasons Tigers will beat Alabama in Sugar Bowl

Clemson football looks to win its second straight game against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and here’s why the Tigers will do just that.

It’s the game everyone was waiting for: Alabama vs. Clemson, Part III. The Crimson Tide and Tigers are meeting for the third straight year in the College Football Playoff with the first two deciding the national title game. Many believe the winner of this game will go on to win it all.

Clemson, led by Dabo Swinney, shocked the country and made a run at the playoff without Deshaun Watson leading the way again. He did so with first-year starting quarterback Kelly Bryant and a top-notch defense.

Nick Saban and Alabama, on the other hand, have remained consistent, relying heavily on the run and a strong defense. Jalen Hurts is a solid quarterback, but hasn’t been trusted to throw the ball as much this season.

Who’s going to win the rubber match?

Here’s why Clemson will become the only team in college football to own a two-game winning streak over Saban and make it to the national title game.

5. Jalen Hurts has become less of a passing threat

The future under center in Tuscaloosa is bright with sophomore Jalen Hurts as well as talented freshman Tua Tagovailoa leading the way, but the former hasn’t proven himself as an adequate passer this season after throwing for over 2,700 yards and 23 touchdowns a year ago.

You might look at his interception numbers and assume he’s been better with the ball in his hands, which is partially true, but he’s also thrown the ball 160 times less and has about 840 less yards and eight fewer touchdowns than a season ago. Does this mean Nick Saban doesn’t trust him? Probably, but the Tide also have a strong run game.

Hurts is a much stronger runner than he is a passer despite his 61 percent completion rate and he will be forced to throw with this defensive line bearing down on him on New Year’s Day. Saban might consider putting Tagovailoa in before the game is over.