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College Football Playoff National Championshp: Five reasons Clemson will beat Alabama

By Rucker Haringey

Dec 5, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 45-37 in the ACC football championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 45-37 in the ACC football championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts during the first quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts during the first quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Deshaun Watson

Derrick Henry won the Heisman, but don’t sleep on the season that the Clemson QB had. Watson was a dangerous dual-threat option for the Tigers all season long and he could be the difference in a close national title contest.

In particular, Alabama should be very worried about Watson hurting them with his legs. All season long, the Clemson coaching staff limited the hits on Watson to preserve him for the national championship push. It was clear in their semifinal matchup versus Oklahoma that they took the wraps off their prize possession and turned him loose on the ground.

The results were devastating for the Sooners. Over and over again he chewed them up on the ground and kept their offense off the field. You can count on Watson testing the Alabama defense with his legs on quite a few occasions.

That could really cause issues for the Crimson Tide. When they know what’s coming their defense is unstoppable. When they’re forced to make plays in space on the QB they can struggle. There aren’t many QBs in the country better than Watson when he gets an opportunity to bust a big play on the ground. One of two big runs could seal the Crimson Tide’s fate.

Next: Derrick Henry could run out of steam

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