Clemson football and Alabama have been on a collision course all season but will be without key starters in their respective College Football Playoff semifinal games.
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On Christmas Eve, Dabo Swinney revealed that three Clemson players are facing suspension from the Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame because of failed drug tests. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, tight end Braden Galloway and offensive lineman Zach Giella were each notified of the potential suspension and each submitted a second sample which will be available on Wednesday. If the “B” sample comes back with the same results the players will not be eligible for the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Clemson isn’t alone in pre-Playoff drama. Alabama has suspended three players “due to a violation of team rules and policies”. Starting offensive lineman Deonte Brown along with offensive lineman Elliot Baker and tight end Kedrick James, will not play in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame on Saturday.
No official status has been given for a potential championship game for any of these six players. Both the Tigers and Crimson Tide are double-digit favorites in their respective semifinal games. Even without a key starter, both sides should still dispatch their opponents with relative ease, setting up a fourth College Football Playoff rematch between two heavyweights in the sport.
Alabama and Clemson have been at the forefront of college football all season long. Both finished the regular season undefeated and won their respective conference championship games, although it took a bit more effort for the Crimson Tide to down Georgia, which is understandable. Both of these programs have more than enough depth to sustain these suspensions and continue on their winning ways.