Two-time national champion and college football analyst Tim Tebow talked about Clemson, Alabama, the 2017 National Championship Game and much more.
On Monday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers will play for immortality. The winner will forever get free drinks in their respective college town. The loser remembered, but always with a twinge of what-if.
This is something Tim Tebow knows all about. Tebow won a pair of national championships in 2006 and 2008 at the University of Florida, while earning a Heisman Trophy in 2007. While his professional career never lived up to the hype some placed upon it, Tebow remains one of the greatest college players of all-time.
This week, Tebow spoke about the upcoming National Championship Game. Despite Alabama being a heavy favorite to win a second consecutive title over Clemson, Tebow sees the Tigers as a real challenger.
“I give them a shot, Tebow said. “I think anybody who has watched Clemson play when they’re hot sees how good they can be. I think Clemson has an edge right now, a belief and a chip on their shoulder. And they have the best player in the country.”
Tebow was talking about Deshaun Watson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior quarterback who will almost certainly be a first-round NFL pick in April. Watson threw for 4,173 yards and 38 touchdowns this season while rushing for only 200, showcasing his transformation into a pocket passer.
“Deshaun is special because he has his head on shoulders,” Tebow said. “He’s focused and determined, a great leader. He’s accurate both short and long with the deep ball. He’s elusive and has speed, but he can be a power runner. Being that versatile in a college system gives you the ability to take over games… but we have seen him force some turnovers and he’ll have to be smart.”
Tebow is referencing the 17 interceptions from Watson this year, a number that rose from his 13 picks in 2015. Keeping the ball away from Alabama’s defense might spell the difference between winning and losing, considering it has posted 15 non-offensive scores. In the College Football semifinal against Washington, it was a pick-six in the second quarter that all but ended the contest.
“When Clemson does turn it over, don’t make it a bad turnover,” Tebow said. “It’s can’t be a pick-six. Make it a 30-yard throw and he fell down. Don’t have the game-changing play because Alabama thrives off it. They always get it and then watch out. Blood is in the water and they are ready to attack. For Clemson, also, it’s the way they played first-down defense (on Saturday). They had great push up front and the linebackers okayed downhill. If they play like that against Alabama it could be a problem.”
As for the Crimson Tide, it’s about complimentary football. Alabama made a seismic move this week, firing offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Kiffin, who was scheduled to leave anyway following the season for a head coaching job at Florida Atlantic, leaves the play-calling duties behind. While Nick Saban is arguably the greatest coach college football has seen in the past 50 years, this could prove problematic.
On Monday night, the Crimson Tide don’t have to be explosive, but they do have to be effective.
“Alabama has to be consistent offensively to control the ball and not put too much pressure on the defense,” Tebow said. “I think that comes with five or six big plays from Jalen Hurts … For Clemson, it’s going to come with stopping the first down run and then putting pressure on Jalen Hurts. They’re best players also have to be their best players. … I can’t wait to watch the matchup between Reuben Foster and Deshaun Watson.”
Tebow will be an analyst for the game, but he’s also been staying busy in other ways. The former first-round pick has been involved in a multitude of efforts to help those less fortunate, including a recent football clinic in New Orleans with 250 youngsters. Tebow is working with the 25th Anniversary Allstate AFCA Good Works Team featuring 24 players – including Watson – and first-time honorary head coach Mark Richt.
“We’re headed to the football clinic with 250 kids. We are going to have most of the members there from the team and this is an honor for me to be the spokesperson. I had an honor to be a part of this team when I was in college. There are so many awards for guys on the field with touchdowns and winning games. But there aren’t many awards for helping your community off the field. Whether it’s Watson with Habitat for Humanity or Derek McCartney donating his bone marrow. We’re sending that message that what you do off the field matters.”
Long known for his unwavering faith and good deeds, Tebow talked about his ability to impact others beyond entertainment. Armed with millions of followers, the former football wunderkind is looking to make a continued difference.
“I think that a platform is only as good as what you use it for,” Tebow said. “For me, I’m so thankful for the platform sports have good and I want to bring faith, hope and love to people in dark places. That’s the mission statement of my foundation. … I love playing sports and winning championships but at the end of the day those trophies will rust but the lives you change will last a long longer.”