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

3. Clemson has an elite pass rush

Just look at that Clemson pass rush and tell me how the Tigers aren’t going to put pressure on Jalen Hurts all day long. He will be running for his life and forced into some uncomfortable throws thanks to the best defensive line in the country.

The Tigers rank third nationally in sacks per game with 44, but the team tied with them (Miami) and the two teams right ahead of them (USC and Ohio State) all played their bowl games already. That gives the Tigers a chance to finish the season as the nation’s top quarterback-sacking team, and that will happen against Alabama.

Although the Crimson Tide have a strong offensive line and Hurts is a proven runner, the Tigers have a number of potential first-round draft picks waiting to get after the quarterback. This game won’t be lopsided, but the difference could come in the trenches.

Clemson’s defensive line has been dominant all year, including against Auburn in a victory — the only team that beat Alabama this year.