Opinion Poll: National Championship Game
Alabama is a 7-point favorite over Clemson and the total is 50½ in Monday's national championship game. A survey of opinions from Las Vegas Review-Journal staff members, other media, oddsmakers and professional handicappers:
Mark Anderson, Review-Journal: Alabama, 34-20
This could be a good matchup, but when you break down the game position by position, the Crimson Tide dominate. I expect Clemson to give Alabama a little bit of a game, but the Tide will take control in the second half.
John Avello, Wynn Las Vegas sports book: Clemson, 28-24
A very stubborn Deshaun Watson and superb play by the Clemson secondary catch Alabama at low tide.
Steve Beaudry, Review-Journal: Alabama, 33-16
Siding with a 14-win unbeaten 'dog is tempting; picking against Nick Saban with 10 days of prep time is foolish.
Bill Bradley, Review-Journal sports editor: Alabama, 34-23
This game will come down to coaching and Saban again will prove he's better on the sideline. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he jumps back to the NFL after winning the championship.
Dave Cokin, ESPN Radio 1100: Alabama, 27-21
A sit-back-and-watch game for me. Saban finds a way, but the Tide will not simply roll past the Tigers.
Chuck Esposito, Sunset Station sports book: Clemson, 24-23
The Tigers have a 17-game winning streak, and they can win this one, too.
Doug Fitz, SystemPlays.com: Alabama, 35-10
The Tide will avenge last year's playoff loss with a clear and convincing statement.
Bernie Fratto, ESPN Radio 1100: Alabama, 27-23
Clemson's zone-read scheme has the potential to cause real issues for Saban's defense, but over time the Tide's defensive front seven will prevail. Alabama is too talented, too physical, too deep. The legend continues ...
Ed Graney, Review-Journal: Clemson, 24-20
Someone guard all the trees back at campus in South Carolina. Harvey Updyke lurks in the darkness.
Ron Kantowski, Review-Journal: Alabama, 34-24
Alabama was Intensified Tide against Michigan State; they'll probably be stronger than dirt here, too.
Jay Kornegay, Westgate sports book: Alabama, 30-26
Alabama has seen a couple of good quarterbacks this year, but Clemson's Watson will be the best. I expect it to be a close game, but Saban makes the right adjustments down the stretch for the trophy.
Dana Lane, DanaLaneSports.com: Alabama, 35-17
The Tide's ability to wear down opposing defensive lines with a punishing Derrick Henry, along with Alabama's defensive line depth, gives the favorite an advantage on both sides of the ball.
Allen Leiker, Review-Journal: Alabama, 31-13
Clemson will need a Vince Young-type game from Watson to pull the upset, and that's not happening against an Alabama defense that ranks among college football's best ever.
Bruce Marshall, Goldsheet.com: Alabama, 31-17
The bowl season has been a showcase for the Southeastern Conference, and there will be too much pressure on Watson to keep the Tigers within earshot.
Tony Miller, Golden Nugget sports book: Alabama, 24-21
Henry's running, plus the future first-round draft picks on Alabama's defense, carries the Tide to a very close victory.
Eric Parkila, ParkilaSports.com: Clemson, 28-27
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney is 4-0 straight up in his past four postseason games as an underdog.
Micah Roberts, The Linemakers on SportingNews.com: Clemson, 22-21
Defense should dictate the pace, making under the total look attractive.
Jay Rood, MGM Resorts sports books: Alabama, 34-31
After an Alabama comeback, Dabo won't be doing any dancing.
Alex B. Smith, AxSmithSports.com: Alabama, 31-16
The Tide have the defensive talent to slow down Watson’ and the experience to handle the big-game atmosphere.
Paul Stone, VegasSportsAuthority.com: Alabama, 30-20
After falling short last year and losing to Mississippi earlier this season, Alabama has been a team on a mission. Most schools dream of playing for a national championship, the Crimson Tide's only goal is to win it. Mission accomplished.
Matt Youmans, Review-Journal: Alabama, 27-23
The Tide defense is too strong, and Saban is too good, but Watson will keep the Tigers in it.
Straight-up picks: Alabama 16, Clemson 5
ATS picks: Clemson 11, Alabama 10
Total: Under 13, Over 8
— Compiled by the Las Vegas Review-Journal
