The set-up: I must admit that I was more than a little surprised that there was so much suspense surrounding the CFP Selection Show back on Dec. 3. Clemson, Oklahoma and Georgia were 'locks,' and everyone knew that. The drama revolved around "Who was No. 4?" Was anyone really all that surprised that the committee chose Alabama, which set up a 'rubber match' contest with Clemson? The Tide and Tigers have met in the lat two championship games, Alabama winning the first 45-40 and Clemson winning the rematch, 35-31. As for Ohio State, not only did the Buckeyes have two losses to the Crimson Tide's one but Ohio State's two losses came at home to Oklahoma (31-16) and at Iowa, 55-24. Then there was the fact that Clemson had embarrassed Ohio State in last year's semifinal game, 31-0. Choosing Alabama over Ohio State to set up Clemson/Alabama III, seemed like a "no-brainer" to me.

Alabama:The Tide opened as the nation's No. 1 team in both preseason polls and stayed there until their loss at Auburn in the team's regular season finale. Alabama relies on an outstanding running game (265.3 YPG ranks 9th) and a dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts (2.005 passing yards with a 15-1 ratio plus 768 YR on 5.6 YPC with 8 TDs) to average 39.1 PPG (11th). Combine that with a defense which allows an FBS-low 11.5 PPG on 258.9 YPG (2nd-best) and it should come as no surprise that Alabama has become a "regular" in the CFP's 'Final 4.' However, Hurts' passing issues popped up again when he went 12-of-22 for 112 yards in the loss to Auburn,.

Clemson: The Tigers have great offensive balance, averaging 244.1 YPG through the air (52nd) and 244.1 YPG on the ground (32nd). That adds up to an offense averaging 35.4 PPG (21st). QB Kelly Bryant is no Deshaun Watson (few are) but he was accurate (67.4%) and productive this season, as he threw for 2,678 yards with 13 TDs and six INTs. Bryant added 646 RY with 11 TDs, helping Etienne (744 YR / 7.2 YPC / 13 TDs) and Feaster (659 YR / 6.4 YPC / 7 TDs) give Clemson a strong rushing attack which ranks 32nd (205.1 YPG). Like Alabama, Clemson has a terrific ""stop unit!" Clemson ranks second (to only Alabama) in allowing 12.8 PPG and the Tigers rank fifth in total defense (277.9 YPG ranks 5th).

The pick: This game should be a "classic" bu then again, one never knows.I realize that Clemson's 'excuse' for losing at Syracuse was that Bryant got hurt during that game but c'mon, 4-8 Syracuse lost all five games after shocking the Tigers (as a 24-point home dog!), allowing 43.2 PPG. Think there is ANY way Alabama would/could lose to Syracuse? It's rare that Alabama comes into a game with a "chip on its shoulder" and with "something to prove." However, that is exactly the case here. I'm "all in" on the Tide. Make Alabama a 10* play.