Alabama Crimson Tide

Does Alabama or Clemson Have the Edge in National Championship?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:50 p.m. ET

Fansided, Ronald Evans/FanSided via Bama Hammer

Compare the position groups in the National Championship Game. Who has the edge, Alabama or Clemson?

One way to pick a winner in any game is to compare the position groups. Check the ratings below to see whether Alabama or Clemson has the edge in the National Championship game.

QUARTERBACK

Jalen Hurts is a physically imposing athlete. Throughout 2016 he has shown poise rarely seen in 18-year-olds. One year ago he was playing Deshaun Watson on Alabama’s scout team. Hurt is a dangerous runner but an inconsistent passer.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) sets to throw the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson is the leader of the Clemson football team. Dabo Swinney calls him the best player in college football. Last January he embarrassed Alabama’s defense, passing for 405 yards and running for 73 more.

ADVANTAGE: Clemson

RUNNING BACKS

Alabama has a trio of typical, hard-nosed backs. Collectively they average about 7 yards per carry. The playing rotation keeps them fresh.

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson’s run game is largely Wayne Gallman and Watson. Both are capable runners.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Tide has Outland Trophy winner Cam Robinson. The rest of the line is capable and freshman Jonah Williams has been impressive. This Tide line is not quite as physical as past national championship groups.

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) works at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

In last year’s game, Clemson’s then, true freshman, tackle Mitch Hyatt had trouble with Alabama’s speed rushers. He is much improved but false starts are still a weakness. The rest of the Clemson line is solid and junior Tyrone Crowder will be an NFL pick.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

RECEIVERS

Alabama has plenty of talent at receiver, including arguably the top tight end in the

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college game. Too often unnoticed, the Tide receivers take pride in downfield blocking. The challenge for Alabama is getting them the ball.

Clemson has a group of productive receivers, the best of whom are Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. Williams is a big, sure-handed pass catcher who missed last year’s championship game due to injury.

ADVANTAGE: Even

DEFENSIVE LINE

Alabama has the best defensive line in the nation. Jonathan Allen is the nation’s best defensive player, proven by the Bednarik and Nagurski awards. Daron Payne and Dalvin Tomlinson have the exceptional combination of strength and quickness.

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sportsdefensive player, proven by the Bednarik and Nagurski awards. Daron Payne and Dalvin Tomlinson have the exceptional combination of strength and quickness.

Clemson has a very good defensive line, led by Carlos Watkins and complemented by Lawrence, Wilkins, and Ferrell. The matchup between this group and Bama’s offensive line will probably decide the game.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

LINEBACKERS

Led by Reuben Foster, this group has exceptional speed. Like Foster, the outside linebackers Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams are future NFL players

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) lays on the field as Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) defends during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson’s linebackers are led by Ben Boulware, a smart, tough and determined player. Sophomore Kendall Joseph is the second leading tackler for the Tigers.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Losing an All-American to season-ending injury has hampered but not stymied Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick is tough, fast, and can play multiple positions. Averitt has great speed. He and Humphrey play aggressively. Ronnie Harrison, Hootie Jones, and

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Brown have played well since Eddie Jackson went down.

Clemson’s secondary is led by seniors Cordrea Tankersley and Jadar Johnson. They have combined for nine interceptions. The attacking Clemson defense is predicated on pressuring the quarterback. If the Tigers can’t achieve frequent pressure, Tide receivers can find some openings.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

SPECIAL TEAMS

J.K. Scott can frequently flip the field with his strong leg. Adam Griffith certainly has the leg, just not always the accuracy. Alabama has struggled with punt returns since losing

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide punter JK Scott (15) in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Eddie Jackson. It would be no surprise to see Minkah Fitzpatrick or Ardarius Stewart fielding punts for the Tide.

Clemson’s placekicker, Greg Huegel has good range, but like Griffith a bit of an accuracy problem. Clemson punter Andy Teasdall has been adequate but only averaged 38 yards this season.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama

COACHING

Jan 12, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban during a press conference at JW Marriott Camelback Inn. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama has Nick Saban and a fine staff.

Clemson has Dabo Swinney and a fine staff.

ADVANTAGE: Alabama