Final thoughts, prediction as Clemson faces Alabama in national championship

Alabama is a 5.5-point favorite for Monday night’s national championship game against Clemson as the two teams meet in the College Football Playoff for the fourth consecutive year.

Clemson is going for its second national title in three seasons, while Alabama coach Nick Saban is going for his seventh national title overall, including his sixth at Alabama.

In order for Clemson to pull off the upset it will have to be able to block Alabama’s talented defensive front, led by defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. Clemson’s offensive line was overmatched during parts of last year’s Sugar Bowl. The Tigers struggled to run the ball and didn’t give Kelly Bryant time to find receivers in the passing…