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

4. The rise of Travis Etienne

Is there a more exciting young running back to watch in college football these days? Freshman Travis Etienne doesn’t get enough attention for just how good he’s been this season, but he’s a rising star. Alabama has a tremendous defense, but Etienne is looking for his second 100-yard game of his career.

The freshman from Louisiana has come close to 100 yards two additional times, finishing with 98 against Louisville and 97 versus Florida State, but he hasn’t broken 100 since the fourth game of the year against Boston College.

Etienne hasn’t broken 10 carries since Nov. 11 against the Florida State Seminoles and he’s likely to do it once again, for the third time in his career, against the Tide. Alabama’s run defense won’t be all that kind, but Etienne is an explosive backs the likes Alabama hasn’t seen much of this season.

There’s a reason this staff is excited about Etienne’s potential and he has an opportunity to put it on display against the vaunted Crimson Tide. Don’t expect him to be afraid too the big stage.