Alabama vs Clemson: 5 key matchups in National Championship Game
By John Buhler
The Alabama Crimson Tide will play the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 College Football National Championship. Here are five key matchups to watch in this game.
In a rematch of the 2015 College Football National Championship, the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (14-0) will meet the No. 3 Clemson Tigers (13-1) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa to play for it all on Monday night at 8:00 p.m. ET.
This national title bout features an absurd number of interesting player-on-player matchups. With so many great ones to choose from, here are the five man-on-man battles to keep an eye on in the 2016 National Championship.
5. Alabama LT Cam Robinson vs. Clemson DE Austin Bryant
With Alabama trotting out true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts in the National Championship, one would have to believe that the Crimson Tide offense will want to protect his blind side against the improving Clemson pass rush.
While Clemson did lose both Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd to the 2016 NFL Draft, the Tigers have been gradually improving in the pass rush for defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Though defensive tackle Carlos Watkins leads the team in sacks and freshman Clelin Ferrell could have a breakout game, the matchup to watch is Clemson sophomore defensive end Austin Bryant versus Alabama junior left tackle Cam Robinson.
Robinson is widely regarded as the best pro prospect at left tackle at the collegiate level. He feels like a lock to be a top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, some scouts have been critical of this being an absurdly weak tackle draft class and Robinson being the ultimate beneficiary of that.
Bryant was expected to have a breakout sophomore season in the Clemson pass rush, but got off to a slow start thanks to a broken foot suffered this summer. Slowly, but surely, Bryant has gotten back to being the type of pass rusher Clemson thought it had entering 2016.
The National Championship is a great opportunity for both players. Robinson can ensure that he’ll be the first left tackle to be taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. Bryant can take momentum from a great performance in this game and add serious attention to his junior campaign at Clemson in 2017.