Clemson or Alabama? National media members make their picks

By Matt Connolly

January 10, 2016 8:41 PM

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and Alabama head coach Nick Saban talk Sunday after the head coaches press conference at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn. Gerry Melendez gmelendez@thestate.com

Brett McMurphy, ESPN

31-20 Alabama: I think Alabama’s defensive line depth ultimately slows down Watson and Bama’s big game experience is the difference.

Pat Forde, Yahoo

Alabama in a close game: I think they are physically superior to everybody in college football up front. I think Clemson’s really good and had a great year, but I think Alabama is too much up front.

Jon Solomon, CBS

Alabama in a tight game: Deshaun Watson’s got to have a special game, and I think a big thing will be can Clemson protect him up front.

Dennis Dodd, CBS

27-20 or 27-17 Alabama: Clemson cannot run between the tackles, and you saw what happened to Michigan State when that happened. It’s gonna come down to Deshaun Watson beating them with his arm, which he could. But I still think Alabama’s too good with an epic defense, maybe the best (Nick Saban’s) had.

Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports

Alabama 27, Clemson 20: No one’s been able to run the ball on Alabama all year, and despite Deshaun Watson’s best efforts, it’s not quite enough. Derrick Henry has a big night for the Tide.

Rick Neuheisel, CBS Analyst

Alabama: While there are cracks in the armor and there are ways to penetrate their defense, they’re too hard to come by. Despite the great talents of Deshaun Watson, I think the absence of a Deon Cain will matter. While I think it’s going to be an intriguing matchup, I just think the depth of Alabama’s defense and the ability to come like waves crashing on a beach will be too much for Clemson.