Alabama, Clemson coaches on opposite ends of ‘fun’ spectrum

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Whether it's delivering pizzas to 30,000 Clemson fans after clinching a spot in the playoffs or dancing with his players in the locker room, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has reminded everyone that college football is supposed to be fun.

That approach is in contrast to many coaches, who are so preoccupied with watching video and putting together game plans and making recruiting calls that the world passes them by.

"It's like a big deal if somebody enjoys what they do, like we're supposed to be miserable going through this," Swinney said. "I don't understand that. That's a big deal. Sometimes you make a decision, and then you can't believe some of the comments and things because you did what's right. And I just can't believe that sometimes doing what's right is such a big deal, but that's where we are as a society right now.

"I mean, there's no rule that says you can't have fun. I think that when you're passionate about what you do, that means you love it, and when you put your heart into something, you go above and beyond to be great at it. Maybe there are a lot of people out there doing things they're not passionate about or maybe their heart is not in it, so they're not having fun, but that's not the case here."

Swinney not only is having fun, he's winning. Clemson (14-0) is ranked No. 1, and at 5:30 p.m. PST today at University of Phoenix Stadium, the Tigers will play No. 2 Alabama (13-1) in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Because of the transient nature of college sports, the storylines often come down to the coaches rather than the players, and in many ways that's the case in this game.

Swinney, a wide receiver on Alabama's 1992 national championship, has turned Clemson from a solid program that regularly goes to bowls into a national power.

He will oppose Alabama coach Nick Saban, who has won three national championships with the Crimson Tide and one with Louisiana State and is the epitome of the serious coach who is never satisfied. It becomes news when Saban smiles in public.

"I think we try to teach our players what it takes to be successful, and sometimes that's not all fun and games," Saban said. "I think Clemson does the same thing. I just think there's a little different image out there in terms of how they do it, but I think if you asked our players, they enjoy themselves.

"There's a high standard that I didn't necessarily establish. It's an expectation that we have at Alabama, and the responsibility that goes with that that I think requires a little bit of attention to detail sometimes. But I think (the reputation is) because of me, because I'm serious, that people make it out to be that way. But I'm not really that way around the players or my family or anybody else."

Saban would add to his on-field legacy with another victory tonight, and the Tide are favored by a touchdown. Alabama is led by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who has rushed for 2,061 yards and 25 touchdowns.

The Tide, led by defensive end A'Shawn Robinson and linebacker Reggie Ragland, are first nationally in scoring defense (13.4 points per game) and total defense (256.8-yard average).

That defense will be challenged by Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was third in the Heisman voting. He has passed for 3,699 yards and 31 touchdowns and rushed for 1,032 yards and 12 TDs.

Like Alabama, the Tigers also are tough defensively, giving up 301.6 yards per game, which is sixth nationally. They expect All-America defensive end Shaq Lawson, who leads the country with 23½ tackles for loss, to play. Lawson injured his left knee in the Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma.

If the Tigers pull off the upset, don't be surprised if Swinney throws another pizza party. For certain, dancing will be involved.

"He can be stern when he has to, but what I love is that he never changes," Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware said. "He's the same person every day and the same person he was when I first met him. I love him."

Win or lose, Saban will be back to work with the same mindset that has carried him to so much success.

"We're not here to have fun, we're here to win," Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said. "Coach said it before: 'You win the trophy, you hold it up, take a picture, and you hand it away and go get ready to win the next one.' That's how he is, so I'm sure if we're fortunate to win this game, we'll have a staff meeting at 7:30 the next morning."

— Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65