4. Dabo Swinney
Would you really want to bet against a man named Dabo when it’s all on the line? In particular, I wouldn’t want to look across the field and see this Dabo in a winner-take-all situation.
Nick Saban may have the better resume, but Swinney is just crazy enough to win a national championship. He won’t be afraid to roll the dice on the game’s biggest stage and that makes him infinitely dangerous.
He wasn’t even afraid to call a fake punt with a punter whom he’d chewed out on the sideline during the ACC title game. He called it because it was so risky and fun. With all the time he has to prepare for Alabama you can bet on some trick plays being placed in the playbook.
Dabo’s odd personality does more than make him a dangerous play caller, it endears him to his players. Whether he’s dancing for them or coaching them up, you can tell he has their utmost respect. More importantly, he has their love. Alabama players respect Nick Saban and believe in him, but Clemson players will run through a wall for their coach. That fact could power Clemson to a big upset.
Next: Deshaun Watson