Alabama Football: 5 impact players for Tide in national title game

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after the win over the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

5. Deonte Brown

Deonte Brown (was) the starting left guard for the Crimson Tide prior to its game against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. Brown was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules and his status is unknown heading into the National Championship game.

Brown’s back-up is Lester Cotton, a massive former 4-star recruit who has started several games this season in place of Brown and is definitely talented. Still, there was a reason Brown was the starter and if you are a Crimson Tide fan, you want to see your team at full strength.

dark. Next. 5 impact players for Clemson in CFB Playoff Title Game

Brown’s absence wasn’t an issue against a weak Oklahoma defense but Clemson’s defensive line is a different animal. Even without Dexter Lawrence, who will not suit up, the defense still has Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant, a trio that combined for a ridiculous 45.5 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and 72 total tackles. The last thing you want is one of these players being turned loose on your star quarterback, especially since Tagovailoa has battled injuries all season.

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