Sugar Bowl Preview: Round three of Alabama vs. Clemson

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In a four-part series, BamaInsider.com and TigerIllustrated.com will provide an early preview of the upcoming Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Clemson. In part one, we look at what a win would mean for each coach, the strength of each team going in, and an updated injury report from each camp.

I think at this point Clemson has proven it isn't a flash in the pan. In no way would I minimize a win over Alabama. That would be foolish, because Alabama hasn't lost very often under Nick Saban. But one game in and of itself, whether it be in the regular season or the postseason, doesn't define Clemson's football program. A win would certainly reinforce the fact that Clemson is a national power, much the way it was during the 1980's. I won't deny that.

Any time you're able to perform at the highest level when everyone else isn't playing and you're still playing for all the marbles, sure, that's huge for your brand.

- Chris Ard of TigerIllustrated.com

This game serves as the rubber match between the two programs with each splitting the past two national championship games. Alabama isn’t accustomed to losing in general, especially on such a big stage. Crimson Tide players still aren’t over last season’s last-second defeat, and a second straight loss to the same team in the College Football Playoff would sting.

If Clemson was to beat Alabama it could be argued that the Tigers would be the new team to beat in college football, especially if they were able to win a second straight national championship. That’s a title Alabama isn’t ready to give up just yet, and with a victory, it won’t have to.

- Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider.com

Dabo Swinney has now guided Clemson to seven consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins. He has now won four conference championships, six division titles and a national championship. I think when you look at what he's been able to accomplish on the field, as well as recruiting, he has now earned the distinction of being recognized as one of the best coaches in all of college football. To reiterate what I mentioned earlier, one win in and of itself won't define Dabo Swinney or Nick Saban. I know we are in an era of instant gratification and everything that's done or said is immediately instant news around the world whether it be on television or the Internet. But again, I have a long-term view when I evaluate a coach or a program.

For that reason, I think the mere fact that Dabo again has a seat at the College Football Playoff table for a third consecutive season speaks volumes about the kind of program he has built at Clemson.

- Chris Ard of TigerIllustrated.com

A victory would give Nick Saban a chance at six national titles (five with Alabama and one with LSU) which would tie him with legendary Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Some already view Saban ahead of Bryant given that winning a national title is more difficult now than it was when Bryant was coaching. Equalling Bryant’s total would certainly give credence to the argument toward Saban as well.

However, a loss would change the narrative completely. If Saban were to lose on the big stage for a second straight year, some might question whether or not he’s lost a step. Warranted or not, there might also be concerns over Saban’s age (66) and how long he can keep up his success.

- Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider.com

It's difficult to pinpoint one strength because if you've gotten this far, you've got many productive pieces in place. By now, you've probably won numerous games several different ways. I'll answer it this way; if you're asking about elite talent or elite recruited talent for Clemson, you look at defensive line and wide receiver. If they're able to push through the playoffs again and win it all, I believe the Tigers' defensive front and its ability to disrupt and control the line of scrimmage will be a big reason why.

Clemson has arguably the top defensive front in the country for the second straight year. I believe three starters here are first-round draft picks and the fourth piece, Austin Bryant, also will make a lot of money playing this sport.

- Chris Ard of TigerIllustrated.com

Alabama’s biggest strength comes at stopping the run. The Crimson Tide ranks No. 3 in the nation, allowing opponents just 94.08 rushing yards per game. However, lately Alabama has seen a decline in that dominance. In its last three meetings against FBS schools (LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn), Alabama has allowed an average of 163.67 yards on the ground. That’s not a good trend heading into a matchup against a Clemson team that averages 204.08 rushing yards per game.

A lot of Alabama’s recent struggles can be attributed to a defense hammered by injuries. Whether or not Alabama’s defense is healthy enough to get back shutting down the run will have a lot of say in how the Crimson Tide fares in the Sugar Bowl.

- Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider.com

They're in a good spot right now. Two players on the injury list held out for the Miami game will be back; linebacker Tre Lamar (stinger/neck-shoulder) and cornerback Mark Fields (ankle). Lamar and Fields have been back at full throttle for on-campus bowl practice, as expected. Marcus Edmond (foot injury) is another corner who came back in November after missing a lot of time, but he'll be ready to go in this game as well.

- Chris Ard of TigerIllustrated.com

The hits keep on coming for Alabama. Just when it appeared that Alabama was healing up from injuries, freshman linebacker Dylan Moses suffered a broken foot during practice Monday. In addition to Moses’ injury, Alabama will face Clemson without its starting strong safety and Mike linebacker for a second straight year.

Safety Hootie Jones (MCL) and linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (broken kneecap) are both out for the season.

- Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider.com

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