National championship game breakdown
QUARTERBACK
Jake Coker's passing opened up Alabama's offense in its Cotton Bowl rout of Michigan State. But on the other side of the field is a Heisman Trophy finalist in Clemson's Deshaun Watson, who has passed for 3,699 yards and rushed for 1,032 with a combined 43 touchdowns.
Edge: Clemson
RUNNING BACK
It's the reverse argument at this position. Clemson presents Wayne Gallman, who has rushed for 1,482 yards and 12 touchdowns. Alabama's Derrick Henry has totaled 2,061 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing, and he won the Heisman.
Edge: Alabama
WIDE RECEIVER
Even with a so-so passing game for much of the season, the Crimson Tide's Calvin Ridley has caught 83 passes for 1,031 yards and seven touchdowns, and ArDarius Stewart has hauled in 61 receptions for 637 yards and four TDs. Clemson, led by Artavis Scott's 89 catches for 868 yards and five touchdowns, is a little deeper. A close call.
Edge: Alabama
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Tide won the Joe Moore Award for having the country's best offensive line. Ryan Kelly also captured the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the nation's best center. Tackle Cam Robinson was named a Freshman All-American in 2014 and first-team All-Southeastern Conference this season.
Edge: Alabama
DEFENSIVE LINE
Anyone doubting the Tide are in this area should check out video of their game against Michigan State. Alabama dominated up front, and A'Shawn Robinson is a consensus All-American. Clemson must hope Shaq Lawson, who leads the nation with 23½ tackles for loss, can come back from a knee injury, and it's uncertain how effective he will be if he plays.
Edge: Alabama
LINEBACKER
This is another strong unit for Alabama, with Reggie Ragland leading the way. He is another consensus All-American, who tops the Tide with 97 tackles. The Tigers also are talented, particularly B.J. Goodson and Ben Boulware, who have combined for 22 tackles for loss, including nine sacks.
Edge: Alabama
SECONDARY
Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander has allowed just 12 completions for 47 yards, becoming a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. The Tigers' other corner, Cordrea Tankersley, leads the team with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
Edge: Clemson
SPECIAL TEAMS
Both teams have produced in this area, but the Tide's Cyrus Jones has game-breaking ability, having returned four punts for touchdowns. Plus, JK Scott averages 44.4 yards per punt, and Adam Griffith has made 22 of 30 field goals, including 7 of 10 from 40 yards and beyond.
Edge: Alabama
INTANGIBLES
This isn't the same Alabama team that got beat by Ohio State in last season's semifinals. This is a more focused team that more closely mirrors the three squads that won Bowl Championship Series titles. The Tide will be ready to go because they know how to better handle the situation.
Edge: Alabama
BOTTOM LINE
Alabama 34, Clemson 20 — This is a good matchup, but when broken down by position, it's clear Alabama is the better team. Count on Tide coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to devise a plan to keep Clemson's Watson from dominating. And the Tide will be able to do enough offensively behind Coker and Henry to establish control.
