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All-Conference [421]
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My realistic prediction (long but thorough)
Jan 3, 2016, 9:10 PM
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To be honest with you I've spent time watching Alabama and of course all of our season. Offensively Alabama is similar to Florida State, I think Coker is slightly better than Macguire but Cook is slightly better than Henry. Coker can't place a ball like Watson yet he let's his receivers go up and make plays. The receivers are pretty good (especially Ridley at WR and Ardarius Stewart). I think Mackensie will eliminate Ridley from the game, and Alabama fans who think I'm crazy just calm down and listen. Mackensie Alexander will shut down Ridley. Ridley has had some good games but I have to stick with the fact that Mackensie hasn't given up a TD in 22 games. Ardarius Stewart will be lined up with Tankersley most likely. Cordrea had some issues in the Orange Bowl but also made some good plays. While I could see Stewart having some yards his longest reception of the year is 37 yards so he won't be doing too much. CBS and ESPN like to rave about the behemoth TE O.J. Howard. First off he has no touchdowns, I guess because all they do in the red zone is hand it off to Henry. But he might get a third down conversion or two but that's it. A matchup problem I could see is Richard Mullaney vs. Ryan Carter/Mark Fields/Adrian Baker. While he only has 361 yards and 5 TDs on the year he is a slow 6'3 possession receiver. Maybe we'll move TJ Green over towards him on key plays.
My projections for Alabama receiving Calvin Ridley- 3 catches- 41 yards (One play for 20 or 30 when he moves into the slot) Ardarius Stewart- 6 catches- 70 yards Richard Mullaney- 2 catches- 13 yards Kenyan Drake- 2 catches 12 yards (Unless we have a broken play and he gets a big one) O.J Howard- 2 catches 17 yards
Derrick Henry and the Bama Oline vs. Clemson's front seven. Derrick Henry won the Heisman because he broke the SEC rushing record and he plays for Alabama. I am impressed that he could sustain 40 carries in multiple games but if we can rotate players like we did against Oklahoma and Shaq Lawson returns, Henry could be held under 120 even 100 rushing yards. Kenyan Drake should not be a factor in the run game but you never know in bowl season.
My projections for Alabamas running Derrick Henry- 32 carries for 101 yards, 2 TDs Kenyan Drake- 12 carries for 37 yards
My projections for Alabama QB Jake Coker 15-24 153 yds 4 sacks
Special Teams Alabama's punter is very good which makes me nervous they will pin us inside our 10 a couple times. Their kicker is decent but nothing special. Adam Griffith 2/3 FG 2/2 EP
Clemson Offense vs Alabama Defense I think this will decide the game, if we move the ball well enough we win. Alabama's offense vs. our defense seems predictable to me. Their D-Line is nasty, better than ours. But our Oline has no gaping issues. The whole big and slow is a misconception to an extent. They are bigger than us but not by much, but we might be a hair faster in some positions. Wayne Gallman probably won't eclipse 100 yards but I think we will see Deshaun put up decent numbers. We need 150 as a team in my opinion but we'll see what happens.
Clemson Running Projections Wayne Gallman 23 carries 84 yards Deshaun Watson 16 carries 76 yards 1 TD Zac Brooks 2 carries 9 yards
Don't overlook the Alabama secondary. It's good, but maybe not as good as ours. Think Florida State. Our receivers aren't overpowering (they would be if we had Mike and Deon) but we have a lot of quality options. I figured Leggett would be a key against Oklahoma but he was irrelevant. However, his biggest game was FSU who I think has a similar but not as good defense as Bama. Maybe he'll get matched up on a linebacker that can't keep up with him. I liked how we threw more post routes against Oklahoma. Another team Bama reminds me of is the 2012 LSU team, where Tajh Boyd and Nuk played lights out. Deshaun is going to has to as clutch as he can be, and we can't afford a bunch of drops. Artavis is under utilized for deep balls and Germone Hopper is actually a legitmate deep threat (but don't throw him a pass to his chest because he'll drop it), Charone Peake is great for posts and screens but his T-Rex arms and inability to lay out for a ball hurts him as a deep threat. Everyone's favorite Hunter Renfrow has glue on his hands and should make a good play or two.
Clemson Receiving Projections Jordan Leggett- 7 catches 90 yards Artavis Scott- 5 catches 61 yards Charone Peake- 3 catches 33 yards Germone Hopper- 2 catches 46 yards (TD) Hunter Renfrow- 2 catches 16 yards Zac Brooks- 1 catch 3 yards Wayne Gallman- 2 catches 26 yards (TD)
Deshaun Watson- The it factor. He has it. Does Coker? I doubt it. Deshaun is Mr. Clutch, when we need him he'll rise to the challenge. The pass rush will be rough but he'll be smart and not lose many yards and instead run or get rid of the ball.
Clemson Passing Deshaun Watson- 19-31 275 yards 2 TD, 3 sacks
Clemson Special Teams This scares me. This really scares me. I think we should be fine with Heugel, let's he kicks off like he did against Oklahoma. I don't blame him for missing the long one against Oklahoma. Just go for it when we're on our 30! Teasdall needs to kick it out of bounds or something because the punt return game makes me nervous. Their punter can flip the field so hopefully Deshaun can help Teasdall out and move the ball. Greg Heugel 1/1 FG, 3/3 EP
What does this mean? It means I think we can win this game. Go Tigers! Clemson 24 Alabama 20
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Oculus Spirit [90241]
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well thought out, & I'll take it & take the Oculus Trophy Now!
Jan 3, 2016, 9:19 PM
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Now Gut eR Done !
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All-Conference [439]
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Good, In-depth analysis.***
Jan 3, 2016, 9:22 PM
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Oculus Spirit [78617]
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Good write up. Also, Henry is not near the threat of
Jan 3, 2016, 9:28 PM
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catching passes as Cook for FSU was.
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Scout Team [162]
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Re: My realistic prediction (long but thorough)
Jan 3, 2016, 9:29 PM
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Very good analysis. Better than any TV "Expert".
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Replies: 4
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