What was the difference last night?

[TruHusker]

I admit to missing a little of the game, business. So here is my take

Bama is so athletic - they hit hard, stay square, are in position most of the time and are relentless. A few breakdowns like any team will have during a game. Watson took some amazing shots and how he kept going is beyond me. Bama flat brings the wood. Clemson is no slouch as well, they zeroed in on stopping the Bama running game and they did it.

Clemson made Bama pretty one dimensional and Hurts couldn't respond with anything deep at all. You could see Clemson getting more confidence in their D as the game went on. They could commit more players to the LOS and not worry about what was going over their heads.

Clemson survived the early beating in nose. They hung in there with some big plays here and there and all of a sudden they are in the game and the confidence grew. I also think Bama went a little conservative thinking their D would come out on top which I thought could happen as well.

Watson made the difference with his legs and arm. If he doesn't run they struggle. Twice he gets outside, one to each side close to the goal line. Not sure what Bama was in for a D but that was a huge difference. Anyone less mobile and who knows how this game comes out. That shot Watson took in the middle of field when he was air born was painful.

A few great catches by Clemson and that was a huge difference maker. Bama didn't have them, Clemson did. Bama had them well defended but Clemson just made unreal adjustments and catches.

Clemson didn't panic the entire game. They were getting punched early and stuck with it. Once they figured they could hang with them, their confidence grew and you could see it. The backers for both teams are so fast and get to the QB in a hurry. Can you imagine our O line against either of these D's?

That game was pure smash mouth football and I loved the physical aspect of it. One could argue about the pick plays all day, they happen, I don't like to use words like "everyone does it" but I am guessing most do. Impressive performance by Clemson.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I admit to missing a little of the game, business. So here is my take

Bama is so athletic - they hit hard, stay square, are in position most of the time and are relentless. A few breakdowns like any team will have during a game. Watson took some amazing shots and how he kept going is beyond me. Bama flat brings the wood. Clemson is no slouch as well, they zeroed in on stopping the Bama running game and they did it.

Clemson made Bama pretty one dimensional and Hurts couldn't respond with anything deep at all. You could see Clemson getting more confidence in their D as the game went on. They could commit more players to the LOS and not worry about what was going over their heads.

Clemson survived the early beating in nose. They hung in there with some big plays here and there and all of a sudden they are in the game and the confidence grew. I also think Bama went a little conservative thinking their D would come out on top which I thought could happen as well.

Watson made the difference with his legs and arm. If he doesn't run they struggle. Twice he gets outside, one to each side close to the goal line. Not sure what Bama was in for a D but that was a huge difference. Anyone less mobile and who knows how this game comes out. That shot Watson took in the middle of field when he was air born was painful.

A few great catches by Clemson and that was a huge difference maker. Bama didn't have them, Clemson did. Bama had them well defended but Clemson just made unreal adjustments and catches.

Clemson didn't panic the entire game. They were getting punched early and stuck with it. Once they figured they could hang with them, their confidence grew and you could see it. The backers for both teams are so fast and get to the QB in a hurry. Can you imagine our O line against either of these D's?

That game was pure smash mouth football and I loved the physical aspect of it. One could argue about the pick plays all day, they happen, I don't like to use words like "everyone does it" but I am guessing most do. Impressive performance by Clemson.

Good analysis

 

[GretnaShawn]

Scarboro going down opened the door for Clemson.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Not sure I would classify Clemson as smash mouth. They play physical defense but their offense is about as finesse as you can get.

Alabama ran the ball 34 times for 221 and 6.5 YPC. If Nebraska allows that stat line, I'm not sure anyone would say we zerod in on and stopped the run.

As far as the difference in the game.

Alabama's QB was unable to hit some wide open receivers, especially on 3rd down. He locked in on receivers and didn't go through his progressions. That inability to extend drives allowed Clemson too many chances. 99 plays is a lot.

The injury to Scarborough was also huge. He was having his way with the Clemson D.

 

[sparky62]

92 plays for Clemson.

 

[dinglefritz]

Venables and Watson. Without either of those 2 guys I don't think it would have been a game. Clemson has multiple difference makers but those 2 guys put them over the hump.

 

[jeans15]

Bama wasted passing plays trying to run quick screens instead of just letting their offensive line be physical.

They didn't know how to use their QB.

And their defense gave up too many big plays.

Really. It came down to Clemson making plays because of the QB and Receivers.

 

[dinglefritz]

Bama wasted passing plays trying to run quick screens instead of just letting their offensive line be physical.

They didn't know how to use their QB.

And their defense gave up too many big plays.

Really. It came down to Clemson making plays because of the QB and Receivers.

I'm NOT a "run the ball" then get off my lawn guy, but I was somewhat surprised they didn't run it more. It appeared to me as long as it wasn't a no doubt run down that could get 4 yards just about anytime they wanted it. That said they did make the plays on their last drive to take the lead they just couldn't stop Watson.

 

[Mr.Scary13]

Scarboro going down opened the door for Clemson.

Yep, he was on his way to 150-200 yards. Clemson had no answer for him.

 

[Mr.Scary13]

Bama wasted passing plays trying to run quick screens instead of just letting their offensive line be physical.

They didn't know how to use their QB.

And their defense gave up too many big plays.

Really. It came down to Clemson making plays because of the QB and Receivers.

They made their qb look alot better than he is all year long....

 

[dinglefritz]

Yep, he was on his way to 150-200 yards. Clemson had no answer for him.

Maybe. Venables is maybe the best DC in college football and I have to think he adjusted to what Bama was doing. Bama's backups are really good. They seemed to be able to get yards on just about everything but the obvious 4th and short play.

 

[dinglefritz]

They made their qb look alot better than he is all year long....

The guy was making tough throws and good decisions all night long with Bama either in his face or chasing him. I think Watson is really good and pro teams are licking their chops right now to get him. Cleveland with another first round QB?

 

[Mr.Scary13]

Maybe. Venables is maybe the best DC in college football and I have to think he adjusted to what Bama was doing. Bama's backups are really good. They seemed to be able to get yards on just about everything but the obvious 4th and short play.

There's no adjusting to being run over. He was too physical for them to handle. Washington couldn't handle his physicality either.

 

[Mr.Scary13]

The guy was making tough throws and good decisions all night long with Bama either in his face or chasing him. I think Watson is really good and pro teams are licking their chops right now to get him. Cleveland with another first round QB?

I'm saying Alabama made Hurts look alot better than what he is all year in reference to the statement they didn't know how to use him.

 

[dinglefritz]

I'm saying Alabama made Hurts look alot better than what he is all year in reference to the statement they didn't know how to use him.

Ok misunderstood your point.

There's no adjusting to being run over. He was too physical for them to handle. Washington couldn't handle his physicality either.

They were getting run over because he was getting to the secondary before he got hit. Clemson IMO adjusted to their blocking schemes and was getting them before they got to the secondary as the game went on. They were selling out on the run as the game wore on when it became apparent that Bama's QB couldn't hit anything beyond 5 yards. JMHO.

 

[jeans15]

I'm saying Alabama made Hurts look alot better than what he is all year in reference to the statement they didn't know how to use him.

That's kind of what I was saying. This game they went away from his strength. His legs. He should have had at least 15 runs or more imo.

I think Kiffen leaving hurt them.

 

[dinglefritz]

That's kind of what I was saying. This game they went away from his strength. His legs. He should have had at least 15 runs or more imo.

I think Kiffen leaving hurt them.

IF only Kiffen stayed or IF only they had run the QB more.....just excuses.

 

[jeans15]

IF only Kiffen stayed or IF only they had run the QB more.....just excuses.

Or if the supposed greatest defense ever could get a stop....I think Clemson won the game more than Alabama lossed it.

 

[Cloud@Heart]

Turn overs were the difference.... If Bama doesn't get those two fumbles, Clemson wins by two scores.

Clemson's defense performed better than I thought they would, minus a couple of big runs and a wide open tight end. They were stout against some excellent athletes.

 

[chicolby]

Turn overs were the difference.... If Bama doesn't get those two fumbles, Clemson wins by two scores.

Clemson's defense performed better than I thought they would, minus a couple of big runs and a wide open tight end. They were stout against some excellent athletes.

As stated above, the number of plays run by Clemson combined with their talented offensive line left Bama's defense on the field playing meaningful snaps more than they had ever experienced this season. There was no question Clemson was going to move the ball again on their last possession, the only question was whether they had enough time, and to be honest, the Clemson coaches nearly blew it by not calling the timeout on third down. They lost precious seconds that nearly left them with only time to kick a FG instead of score the winning TD.

 

[cthoend]

I think coaching was the difference. They had a sound game plan and stuck with it - even when they were down 14-0 and it looked like it was time to panic.

I have never been a Clemson fan, but to beat Urban Meyer and Nick Saban in consecutive games is pretty impressive. Not to mention scoring 21 points against Alabama in the 4th quarter.

 

[jlb321]

Clemson was smart enough to recognize they couldn't run the ball worth a damn and despite risking the wrath of "RUN THE BALL!!" guy said F it and threw the ball 57 times

 

[jeans15]

Clemson was smart enough to recognize they couldn't run the ball worth a damn and despite risking the wrath of "RUN THE BALL!!" guy said F it and threw the ball 57 times

I don't think anyone expected Clemson to run the ball against Alabama. I think it was always about DeShaun Watson having a Vince Young night. And he did.

 

[Toms Wife]

Scarborough's injury. If he is there the game gets shortened, the frosh qb has to do less, and Clemson's offense isn't on the field. In the first half he was giving me flashbacks to LP.

 

[dinglefritz]

Scarborough's injury. If he is there the game gets shortened, the frosh qb has to do less, and Clemson's offense isn't on the field. In the first half he was giving me flashbacks to LP.

meh. Excuses. Their backups are no slouches and when they did run it with them they had success for the most part. IMO, the change in production was largely due to Clemson deciding to sell out to stop the run and Bama's inability to counter that. I'm not a run the ball 70% guy, but I do think Sark should have run it more. They just scored too quickly on that last drive. Left too much time for Watson. It all came down to who scored last.

 

[TheBeav815]

I think Bama was too stubborn trying to throw when it was clear their QB was outmatched. They might have been able to bang on Clemson and wear them down. But when their RB went down, it was almost like the run game became an afterthought.

Clemson was excellent on special teams and they made some BIGTIME plays to flip field position.

 

[dinglefritz]

I think Bama was too stubborn trying to throw when it was clear their QB was outmatched. They might have been able to bang on Clemson and wear them down. But when their RB went down, it was almost like the run game became an afterthought.

Clemson was excellent on special teams and they made some BIGTIME plays to flip field position.

Actually Bama's punter other than one punt I think flipped the field big time. He buried them more than once. That said, in a game that is won with 1 second left, you could single out dozens of plays on either side and dozens of guys that were the difference. Great game. Team game and everybody had to do their job.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Venebles was looking to contain the QB boot. There were times there were 3 guys playing the boot which allowed for some big holes for Scarbrough. But Sarkisian didn't exploit that. He didn't use either Scarbrough or Hurts effectively in the running game. However, the threat of the run by Hurts, allowed for more than a few receivers to be open but Hurts missed them.

With that said, Scarbrough went out late in the 3rd quarter and only had 16 carries at that time. Clemson had 27 4th quarter plays, so roughly a quarter of their total plays. While the injury to Scarbrough potentially effected the result of the game, his lack of use in the first 3 quarters, would have shortened the game considerably.

 

[Mr.Scary13]

As stated above, the number of plays run by Clemson combined with their talented offensive line left Bama's defense on the field playing meaningful snaps more than they had ever experienced this season. There was no question Clemson was going to move the ball again on their last possession, the only question was whether they had enough time, and to be honest, the Clemson coaches nearly blew it by not calling the timeout on third down. They lost precious seconds that nearly left them with only time to kick a FG instead of score the winning TD.

The only reason Clemson ran those amount of plays were because of the pathetic offensive display once Scarborough left the game. Two for 15 on 3rd down after starting 2 for 3 with six 3 and outs in the second half. Clemson is probably lucky if they score 20 points if Alabama just makes some first downs in the second half. They didn't even need to really score, just keep the ball a bit and punt after running a little clock.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

The special teams angle is a good one and I am of the opinion that Alabama won that component.

Did Herby or Fowler ever mention where the Alabama punt returner lined up? He lined up to catch the Aussie style punt before it bounced and got the extra roll. I bet that adjustment saved Alabama 100 yards of field position throughout the game.

 

[coach-ed]

Scarborough getting injured was the tipping point.......Bama couldn't maintain drives to burn clock and keep the defense rested. Clemson wore the big bad Bama defense down (much like the Huskers used to) and had some guys step up and make great plays.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Scarborough getting injured was the tipping point.......Bama couldn't maintain drives to burn clock and keep the defense rested. Clemson wore the big bad Bama defense down (much like the Huskers used to) and had some guys step up and make great plays.

Nothing like the way the Huskers did it. Clemson threw the ball 60 freaking times.

Scarbrough went out with with a couple of minutes to go in the third. Alabama scored on a long TD pass to the TE on the play after he was hurt. So he left for all intents and purposes with Alabama up 10.

And just to set the record straight prior to Scarbrough leaving the game, Alabama had punted on 8 of 11 possessions and 10 of the 11 were 5 plays or less. Again it was a factor in the outcome because he could have made a bigger difference in how the game was called. But the fact is, even with him in the game, Alabama was struggling to generate drives with a lot of plays or time of possession.

After he left the game, Alabama had 4 possessions, three 3 and outs and a TD to put them back in front with 2:08 to play.

 

[coach-ed]

Nothing like the way the Huskers did it. Clemson threw the ball 60 freaking times.

Scarbrough went out with with a couple of minutes to go in the third. Alabama scored on a long TD pass to the TE on the play after he was hurt. So he left for all intents and purposes with Alabama up 10.

And just to set the record straight prior to Scarbrough leaving the game, Alabama had punted on 8 of 11 possessions and 10 of the 11 were 5 plays or less. Again it was a factor in the outcome because he could have made a bigger difference in how the game was called. But the fact is, even with him in the game, Alabama was struggling to generate drives with a lot of plays or time of possession.

After he left the game, Alabama had 4 possessions, three 3 and outs and a TD to put them back in front with 2:08 to play.[/QU

Bama had issues with their passing game (bad throws, tipped balls...etc) and without Scarborough to lean on they struggled down the stretch barring the drive where Hurts hit on the big run. Bama didn't necessarily need to score as badly as they needed to burn some clock, or preferably burn the clock while sustaining a scoring drive.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I see what you are saying, but the point is they had another 1000 yard rusher and they hadn't leaned on either one of them. So you were expecting them to do something they hadn't done the whole game.

The question isn't should they have used him more. Heck yes they should have. I am just saying that while Scarbrough leaving was a factor, he only missed 4 drives due to injury. I think Mike Williams missed 4 drives in the first half for Clemson

 

[The_Glove_Man]

Even in the NC game, I couldn't believe how much bigger and stronger Alabama looked. It's like David and Goliath for everyone who plays the Tide.

Really impressed with Clemson's game plan and execution. Alabama had to put their CBs on islands to keep Watson from running all over the place, and that's a tough assignment against Clemson's receiving corps. Toward the end, you got the sense that Saban knew he was going to have to outscore Clemson, which is why he kept passing and started doing some trickery.

That being said, I almost shat when Dabo called the onside kick with 1 second left. If Alabama falls on that, they get a legitimate Hail Mary attempt, right? Don't you squib that kick 30 yards, 100% of the time? Fortunately for Clemson, it looked like Alabama wasn't sure what to do. It felt like it took 10 years for the ball to traverse 10 yards, and yet not a single Crimson jersey ever got close to it.