Fansided

3 reasons Clemson, not Alabama should be No. 1 in the polls

By Rob Wolkenbrod

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts in the first quarter of a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts in the first quarter of a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Clemson moved up to No. 2 in the AP Poll but belonged in Alabama’s spot at No. 1.

After a convincing win over Louisville, Clemson became the No. 2 team in the most recent AP Poll. They leapfrogged Oklahoma, who just defeated Ohio State in Week 2 while Alabama remained No. 1 after they defeated of Colorado State in Week 3.

While the Tigers moved up, they had a case to ascend one more spot. It was a win over a ranked team, and previous accomplishments this season were noteworthy enough to get them the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll.

As it’s been mostly the past two seasons, it’s Clemson and Alabama at the top of the college football rankings. The former should be ahead, though, for everything they’ve done through three weeks of play.

3. Alabama’s offense is good, but Clemson’s is better

Comparing Alabama and Clemson’s offenses brings a close battle. Both have been dynamic in 2017, but the Tigers reign supreme here. It gives them the case to be the No. 1 team in the nation.

It starts with quarterback play. Kelly Bryant has the offense moving better in the air, with 733 passing yards. He can run with the ball, too, and while Jalen Hurts is maybe superior in this aspect, Bryant provides better balance for the Clemson offense.

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The Tiger wide receivers look more effective, with three over 125 yards. Ray-Ray McCloud has a team-leading 220 yards, while Hunter Renfrow has over 100 of his own. All are the recipients of Bryant’s arm, while the Alabama has just one 100-yard receiver, although it’s Calvin Ridley, a sure-fire first-round pick in 2018.

The running game, in terms of yards, is equal for Clemson and Alabama. The former has the edge on touchdowns, 12-7. Bryant leads the way with five scores on 162 yards. Two of his touchdowns came against Louisville.

Clemson’s passing takes over the scale then, with Bryant and the group of receivers that look sharp. Overall, they’re not leaps ahead of the Crimson Tide’s offense, but there’s enough of a difference to give the win to the 2017 champions.

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