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Alabama Football: 5 Bold predictions for National Championship vs. Clemson

By John Mitchell

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dives with the ball as Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers defends in the second half of the AllState Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Damien Harris #34 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dives with the ball as Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers defends in the second half of the AllState Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Josh Jacobs has another strong game

Josh Jacobs is Alabama’s third-leading rusher this season, behind senior Damien Harris and sophomore Najee Harris, but he has been the best kept secret in college football the last couple of years.

That secret is out after his stellar performance in the Orange Bowl, a game that served as a coming-out party for those who didn’t already know how talented and versatile the junior runner from Tulsa is.

Jacobs had his full repertoire on display in Miami, consistently shaking, running through and around, and otherwise embarrassing his home-state Sooners. Jacobs finished just shy of 100 yards with 98 yards on 15 carries, a mere final carry away from eclipsing that mark and likely scoring his second touchdown of the night, but Nick Saban called off the dogs and had Tua take a knee with the Tide seven yards away from the goal line.

Jacobs was also utilized heavily in the passing game, particularly when he lined up opposite another running back, typically Najee Harris. Jacobs caught four passes for 60 yards and scored a touchdown, running through a poor Oklahoma defender who dared get in front of the runaway train heading toward the endzone.

Jacobs’ brilliance, and his versatility, have gotten the full attention of NFL scouts, and if he chooses to forego his final year of eligibility in Tuscaloosa he could find himself as the first running back off the board in April.

With left guard Deonte Brown suspended, Alabama is likely to find the going tough on the ground against the best defensive line in college football. Even without Dexter Lawrence, Clemson boasts an assortment of talented defensive linemen who will play on the next level, headlined by Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell.

Alabama will need to run the ball some to establish offensive balance, preventing Clemson from pinning their ears back and rushing Tua all night long. The best way for the Crimson Tide to achieve that is to put the ball in the capable hands of Jacobs, getting him 20-25 touches combined between rushing and receiving.

He has the ability to be a real X-factor in this game. I think Jacobs, and Najee Harris, should see more touches than the senior Damien Harris at Levi’s Stadium, with those two better suited to making an impact against the best defense in the country.

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