Alabama vs Clemson: 5 key matchups in National Championship Game
By John Buhler
1. Clemson QB Deshaun Watson vs. Alabama LB Reuben Foster
While the matchup between the Hyatt and Allen is the most important battle in the game, all eyes are on Clemson junior Heisman finalist quarterback Deshaun Watson. Will he lead Clemson to its first national title since 1981 or will he be stopped? Who would be spying the Clemson quarterback anyway?
That would be the other senior leader of Alabama defense in inside linebacker Reuben Foster. He and Allen decided to come back to school in 2016 to get better as players and help Alabama win back-to-back national titles. It’s worked out well so far, as Alabama is on the precipice of going 15-0. Both Allen and Foster are first-round talents.
While there is no way that either Watson or Foster’s draft stock plummet out of the first round in this national title bout, they can certainly elevate their stock to the best prospect at their respective position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Watson’s competition for first quarterback selected is North Carolina Tar Heels junior Mitch Trubisky and Notre Dame Fighting Irish redshirt sophomore DeShone Kizer. Foster has to fend off Vanderbilt Commodores redshirt junior Zach Cunningham.
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The stage is set for both to go off in this national championship. Whomever plays better between Foster and Watson will likely help their team win it all on Monday night.