Bowl Predictions: National Championship

This year's Clemson Tigers are the best in over three decades.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Later tonight, a new national champion will claim their crown in Glendale, Arizona. Once again, this season's winner will come from Dixie. The Alabama Crimson Tide can claim their 16th national title and their first since 2012 while the Clemson Tigers can earn their second title since winning it all in 1981. These two storied programs have met on 15 occasions since the turn of the last century. Clemson won the first game in 1900 as well as the following two in 1904 and 1905, but Alabama has won all 12 games since 1909. Alabama enters their final game with a 13-1 record while Clemson is a perfect 14-0. Recap how both teams got to the playoffs in my previous post.

Clemson's defense excelled in the Tigers' 37-17 victory over Oklahoma. Although outplayed throughout the game, the Sooners had kept the game close until halftime (the Sooners actually led 17-16 at the break). However, the Tigers continued to dominate and shut out the Sooners for the remainder of the game. Oklahoma was limited to just 67 rushing yards all game. Clemson moved the ball effectively, and oftentimes at will, against the Sooner defense. The Tigers put up a total of 530 offensive yards, mostly on the ground, against the Big 12's best defense.

Just as, or more, impressive was Alabama's 38-0 shutout of Michigan State. Similar to the day's earlier game, Alabama was the better team through all 60 minutes, although Michigan State kept the game competitive during the first half. The Crimson Tide asserted themselves after halftime, putting up 28 unanswered points in the final two quarters. The Tide gained 440 yards on offense, 201 more than the Spartans. Crucially, Michigan State was held to just 29 rushing yards.

The Tide can continue their dynasty with another
championship. Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

As it should be, the nation's two best teams are meeting in the season finale. Both squads have great defenses and playmakers on offense. The Crimson Tide feature Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry, but he'll need a spectacular performance to gain yardage on the Tiger defense. He will be aided by a threatening Crimson Tide passing attack. Clemson will be led by Heisman runner-up Deshaun Watson, who has a bevy a talent surrounding him. They'll be up against what may be the country's best defense and an incredible front seven.

Hopefully, this will be an excited game decided in the final minutes. Superior defense may be what wins another championship for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• 2 Alabama (13-1) over 1 Clemson (14-0), 27-20