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More than a memory: Alabama begins preparation for Clemson

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Center Jay Guillermo #57 of the Clemson Tigers at the line of scrimmage during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Clemson Tigers defeated The Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Center Jay Guillermo #57 of the Clemson Tigers at the line of scrimmage during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Clemson Tigers defeated The Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Last season’s National Championship loss to Clemson might not be all the Crimson Tide players think about, but for many, those memories are never far from their thoughts.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts sees a picture of himself walking off the field after that game every time he pulls his phone out of his pocket.

“I don’t look at it like, ‘Dang, I lost to Clemson.’ I don’t do that every time,” Hurts said. “But it’s definitely there, it’s definitely a motivating factor and it’s always been. We all get the opportunity to kind of redeem ourselves and show the world what we are and who we are at Alabama.”

That thirst for redemption has been evident all season long, and no regular season success could come close to quenching it.

“That’s like when you’re playing your big brother in NCAA and he kind of (gets) after you the first time,” Hurts said. “You want to play him again. I think everybody like a second chance.”

Cornerback Levi Wallace said the Crimson Tide (11-2, 7-1 SEC) was always hoping for a third consecutive playoff matchup with No. 1 Clemson (12-1, 7-1 ACC). Wallace and the rest of his teammates will get their wish when the two teams meet in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

“It's a different city after you lose,” Wallace said. “...Not everything comes easy. We have to put the work in.”

The glaring difference between this meeting and the previous two is the absence of former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. The former Tiger and current Houston Texan completed 36 of 56 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns.

Wallace said Watson is still the best quarterback he’s ever faced. However, he doesn’t expect things to get easier with Kelly Bryant under center for the Tigers.

“Kelly Bryant is a great athlete,” Wallace said. “He’s definitely a little faster than Deshaun Watson, definitely more running talent. He can definitely throw deep balls.”

Alabama running back Damien Harris said the Crimson Tide can’t dwell on the past anymore. When the game finally arrives emotions will have to be managed.

It can’t be all about getting revenge.

“I mean in the offseason, I think that (loss to Clemson) really fueled us,” Harris said. “Our whole motto was finishing, so I think that really helped us in the offseason. But now, we’re just focused on us and we’re focused on playing our best football...We feel like if we play our best football, it gives us a good chance to win.”

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