National Championship 2016: 5 keys to victory for Clemson Tigers

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables looks on during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables looks on during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Brent Venables has to win on third down defense

Clemson has arguably the most underrated head coach in the Power 5 in Dabo Swinney. A national title over undefeated Alabama on Monday night would definitely change the perception of the dancing Clemson head coach.

Part of Swinney’s success is that he has one outstanding defensive coordinator in Brent Venables. Eventually Venables will leave Clemson to be a college head coach when the right opportunity presents itself; he doesn’t come across as Bud Foster type that is completely comfortable of staying on as Swinney’s defensive coordinator in perpetuity.

To be honest, Venables doesn’t have the elite defensive personnel to completely neutralize the Alabama defense. Losing players like Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd and Mackensie Alexander to the 2016 NFL Draft doesn’t help at all. That being said, there is a way that he can stop the Alabama offensive attack: win on third down.

Getting Alabama into third-and-long obvious passing scenarios is great in theory, but Harris and Scarbrough will make that difficult. However, any third-and-long Clemson gets in, the Tigers have to challenge Alabama true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat them with is arm. Hurts is nimble as a runner, but will make bad reads in the passing game when under pressure.

There will be about five plays defensively where Clemson will need a stop. If the Tigers can win on three-to-four of those plays, they can win the ball game. It’s going to take an A+ game plan from Venables and at least a B+ execution from the Clemson defense to make this a reality.