Thursday August 28, 2008

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama Offense

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama Offense
Today let’s look at how Clemson’s defense will fare against Alabama’s offense.

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama’s Offensive Line
Perhaps the strength of the Alabama offense is the offensive line. If you want to see the prototypical left tackle that NFL teams think is a top ten pick then you will get a chance to see it this weekend. Andre Smith (6-4, 330) is only a junior but he started as a true freshman and will probably come out after his true junior season. Smith is a terrific pass protector. I am impressed with his awareness. It seems Smith always does the little things well. I was watching the Georgia game from last year and noticed how he would finish off his guy then chip another guy. On one big play he picked up a big block after the play had broken down. He just seems to be able to pick up the right defender at the right time. Smith is a big time talent and a huge key to the Alabama offense. If Bama needs a big play then look for it to come on his side of the line.

The other major star along the offensive line for the Crimson Tide is center Antoine Caldwell (6-3, 305). This senior is one of the top centers in the country and another NFL prospect.

Bama is not massive along its front but they are big and athletic. Clemson has its best defensive line it has had in recent years and depth at defensive tackle will be an advantaged for the Tigers. Clemson will miss Rashaad Jackson but Dorell Scott, Jarvis Jenkins, Jamie Cumbie, Miguel Chavis, Antoine Murchison and Jock McKissic will rotate and should be fresh for most of the contest.

A very intriguing battle will be the speed of Ricky Sapp against Andre Smith in pass rushing situations. Smith will see few pass rushers like Sapp this season. This is a key matchup and NFL scouts will be watching as these two juniors battle to see who can impress the most.

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama Wide Receivers
Bama lost their three leading receivers from a year ago in Keith Brown, D.J. Hall and Matt Caddell. Mike McCoy (6-2, 205) is the leading returning wide out in terms of receiving. The junior had 22 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown last season.

The big threat at wide out comes from the number one receiver coming out of the high school ranks a year ago in Julio Jones (6-4, 210). This is a smooth looking athlete with terrific leaping ability. Jones has good ball skills and enough speed to become a deep threat. I am not sure how much of a factor he will be in his first college game but I do think this is a potential All-American in the near future for the Crimson Tide.

Bama will throw to the tight ends more this season. Nick Walker (6-5, 248) caught 23 passes for 204 yards and a couple of scores a year ago. Travis McCall is listed as the starter though.

The Tigers have depth and talent at corner and would feel good about putting Chris Chancellor, Crezdon Butler, Byron Maxwell or Marcus Gilchrist on an island.

The Tigers will also have an advantage of having two senior safeties who have just about seen it all on the college football field in Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemens.

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama Quarterbacks
John Parker Wilson (6-2, 211) is a senior signal caller who has led his squad in some close, fourth quarter football games. He has more moxie than talent but does have enough skills to scare you on defense.

Wilson is working with his third different offensive coordinator at Alabama but he is a bright kid who has had all spring to handle the new scheme.

Another factor Saturday will be his mobility. Wilson is not a speedster but he does move his feet well and is athletic enough to hurt you a little with his feet.

The Tigers would like to confuse Wilson but I am not sure that will happen. They would also like to pressure him but must keep an eye on his scrambling in order to find a secondary receiver.

Clemson Defense vs. Alabama Running Backs
Alabama will play two or three tailbacks Saturday night. Glenn Coffee (6-1, 198) is listed as the starter after he gained 545 yards and scored five touchdowns as a sophomore. But the leading returning rusher is sophomore Terry Grant (5-9, 190) who had 891 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.

The Crimson Tide has a new offensive coordinator who would like to match up their backs against Clemson linebackers in the short passing game. Look for the Tide to use both Coffee and Grant as weapons against Clemson’s inexperience here.

Special Teams
Alabama is good at placekicker and average at punter. Leigh Tiffin was 25 of 34 on field goals including two of 50 yards or more. Punter P.J. Fitzgerald average 38.7 yards per punt and a net of 33.5 a year ago.

The Crimson Tide has a good punt returner in Javier Arenas who made some big plays last season. They plan to use Julio Jones in the return game as well.

Keys to the Game
Offensively, Clemson needs to be balanced. They need to be able to run the football effectively between the tackles but that might be tough with Terrence Cody clogging the middle. Clemson needs Cullen Harper to play like he did all last year and not how he played in the bowl game when he was injured.

Defensively, Clemson needs to control first down. Alabama would love to win first down by running the football right at the Tigers. If Bama is able to win first down and keep the chains moving then it could be a long night.

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