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

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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Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs against Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) during the third quarter of the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs against Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) during the third quarter of the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2. Derrick Henry could run out of steam

Derrick Henry is a phenomenal player who’s had an amazing season for Alabama. It’s obvious that they wouldn’t be in this game if not for their star tailback but they’ve ridden him hard. What if he runs out of steam when they need him the most?

Most Alabama fans act like Henry is either superhuman or some sort of cyborg. Contrary to the thoughts of most Bama fans, he is an actual human being whose body might give out at some point. He has taken an absolute beating this year and they should be concerned that the cumulative effect of all those hits could finally show up on the field.

If Henry’s body gives out and he can’t run effectively, the Alabama offense will be in serious trouble. Their entire offense is predicated on their ability to keep defenses more concerned with keeping players in the box to defend Henry. If Jacob Coker is forced to make plays down the field to win this football game, I like the Tigers’ chances.

Henry’s body is going to break down some time and even with the rest leading up to this game, he may not be able to last through four quarters. If he doesn’t, his dream season may end with a nightmare loss to Clemson.

Next: Clemson fans want it more