National Championship Game: Interview with Clemson Expert

An interview with a Clemson Expert prior to the National Championship Game.

I wanted to get back to Rubbing The Rock’s Clemson Expert Anthony Messenger before the National Championship game. Here is a Q & A with Anthony concerning impressions of the Tigers’ players and fans following their win over the Buckeyes and their upcoming game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Q: I’ll get to this right off the bat. What was the general impression of Ohio State by the Clemson players and coaching staff following your dominating win in the Fiesta Bowl?

Anthony: Clemson’s players and coaches have a great amount of respect for Ohio State’s players and coaches. Honestly, I believe many of the players were surprised by the eventual score. Senior defensive tackle, Carlos Watkins alluded to that at Clemson’s media day this week. Clemson still sees Ohio State as a top-tier program. It just wasn’t their day.

Q: Now, what are the opinions of your fans concerning Ohio State?

Anthony: As far as the fans are concerned much hasn’t changed. Most Clemson fans still have an appreciation for the job that Urban Meyer does. That being said, there were a few fans who were not shy about rubbing the loss in the faces of some overzealous Buckeye fans.

Q: What does Clemson have to do to beat Alabama this time around?

Anthony: In order to beat Alabama, Clemson must first and foremost win the line of scrimmage. Alabama wants to run the ball offensively. If Clemson’s front seven can disrupt them from doing that, Jalen Hurts will be forced to win the game with his arm which I do not think he is capable of doing. Offensively, Deshaun Watson must take care of the football and just play his game. Trust in his ability as a passer and a rusher and Clemson will be just fine.

Q: What does Alabama have to do to defeat Clemson?

Anthony: In order to beat Clemson, Alabama must establish the run. If the Tide can keep Jalen Hurts comfortable and out of predictable situations they will be fine. Defensively they must force Watson to turn the ball over and keep Clemson on their side of the fifty.

Q: Will last season’s narrow loss to Alabama give Clemson an edge this year?

Anthony: I do not think so. With this being the National Championship both teams should have more than enough motivation.

Q: Is there a major concern, or a possible surprise by either team that fans should watch for.

Anthony: My biggest concern in this one is turnovers. Clemson has turned the ball over at an alarming rate at times this season. The Tigers cannot afford to give Alabama any extra possessions or opportunities to score.

The fans should watch for wrinkles by new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. I would watch for any unconventional way to get ArDarius Stewart the football.

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Q: How do you see the championship game playing out?

Anthony: I expect for Jalen Hurts to get off to a slow start. Hurts is usually a slow starter and I don’t expect Sark to give him too much to handle early on in this one. Clemson will jump out to a 14 point lead late into the second. From there I expect Hurts to have calmed down. The Tide will cut it to 17-14 by the end of the third and Clemson will clamp down in the fourth this year. Jalen Hurts will be pressured into a costly interception in the fourth. After giving up 24 points in the fourth quarter last season (which ultimately cost them the game) I think Venables and Ben Bouleware will put an emphasis on finishing this season. 27-14 Tigers.

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There you go, a perspective from the Clemson point of view. For me, this is a compelling National Championship Game and it should be fun to watch. It would just a lot more fun if Ohio State was playing in it though.

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