On the Outcome of the Clemson/Alabama Match-Up

This is the third part in my three part series on the Clemson/Alabama match-up opening weekend in college football. To start off, this is a HUGE match-up between these two schools who have not met since 1975, and that year Alabama squeaked by, 56-0. Alabama owns this series overall boasting an 11-2 record overall vs. Clemson. Is the “Tide” about to change?

Field Advantage: None
In this match-up Clemson is not an overwhelming favorite; the line on this game opened at Clemson -5 and has moved very little. This could be attributed to the game being playing in a neutral location. Both teams have sold-out there allotment of tickets and both schools have requested more, so the crowd should be split down the middle and neither school should have an advantage.

Offense Line: Alabama
DA’ GOAT loves veteran units that have played together for a long period of time and this group is it. IF they can protect JPW, this could turn into a ball game.

Running Backs: Clemson
Two All-American’s rightly dubbed “Thunder & Lightning”, if they get loose Alabama is in trouble. Not only have that but if they get rolling, it will take the pressure off of Cullen Harper to make big plays.

Quarter Back: Clemson
Cullen Harper, please see prior post. This guy is good and makes very few mistakes. He gets the nod here as JPW is too inconsistent with ball in his hands, and he has to deal with a couple of young inexperienced receivers. The same cannot be said for Harper who is surrounded by a veteran group.

Wide Receivers: Clemson
Aaron Kelly will have his hands full getting open but there are other very talented, physical receivers capable of taking it the distance at Cullen Harpers disposal. I am on the Julio Jones band wagon, but he will get the most attention and probably be a non-factor in this game. Can’t wait to see Jones mature as the season progresses, but not against Clemson.

Defense Line: Alabama
Like both, not very deep on both side but Alabama has a veteran unit upfront on the O-line and that will pose problems for the D-Coordinator. Stunt and blitz schemes will be used early and often for Clemson to try to confuse the Alabama line and make plays. Clemson’s O-line is suspect at best, so look for Kevin Steele to take advantage of that with his front group.

Linebackers: Push
Neither is great, both are young, both will pay a major role and expect the unexpected here.

Secondary: Clemson
Although Alabama’s D-backs are no slouches, Clemson again has All-American’s, award candidates and so on in a secondary that led the ACC last year in pass defense. This group has been together a while now and it will show in this game. If JPW makes a mistake, this secondary will make him pay.

Special Teams: Alabama
Leigh Tiffin is not great from long range, but if it comes down to field goals, Alabama has the edge, and I will be out of loot in a hurry, but don’t look for that to happen. I like Alabama for another reason in this spot, and his name is JAVIER AREANAS. He didn’t get any love earlier in my blog but this guys reminds DA’ GOAT of names like “Rocket” Ismail, David Palmer, Charles Woodson, and Devin Hester to name a few. Areanas only needs a small crease and GOOD BYE. Please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UJMgAQA7c4&feature=related for more info on this guy.

Prediction:
DA’ GOAT is on the Clemson band wagon and thinks that a cover at -5 is not going to be a problem in this game. Clemson, although in the ACC has the talent on paper to blow-out Alabama, but Saban will not let that happen. However, Bowden is due and this game is his teams coming out party….

DA’ GOATS PICK
Clemson -5 (Sportsbook.com) *LOCKED IN*
Final Score 31-17 Clemson

Feel Free to post your thoughts….

DA’ GOAT