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closeCLEMSON'S KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Control the lines of scrimmage
This phase of the game usually decides the outcome, and that is likely to be the case tonight. Clemson sends four new offensive line starters against an unconventional 3-4 base front featuring a 365-pound nose guard and bulky, run-plugging linebackers. On the flip side, Alabama's offense hinges on establishing the run to set up its short, play-action passing game. The Tigers will have to dispel the perception they are a finesse team.
2. Avoid a special teams blunder
For all their experience and star power, the Tigers appear vulnerable in this department. Mark Buchholz has yet to prove a reliable place-kicker. All signs point to freshman Dawson Zimmerman starting at punter unless nerves get the best of him. And it would not be a shock to see Clemson kick to Alabama returner Javier Arenas, who averaged 15.4 yards per punt return last season.
3. Go against the percentages
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has a strong defensive mind, and his defenses play fundamentally sound. Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence sticks with percentages as a play-caller and can be predictable as a result. So with eight months of prep time, Saban should have a clue what is coming. Spence has installed plenty of wrinkles to offset his tendencies; using them is the trick.
KEY MATCHUP
Clemson DE Ricky Sapp vs. Alabama LT Andre Smith
About Sapp: The 6-4, 248-pound junior from Bamberg appears on the verge of becoming the next pass-rushing beast from the bandit end position in coordinator Vic Koenning's defense. Sapp has spent most of his career trying to add weight, yet it took until this offseason for him to regain the speed he lost. As a result, Clemson coaches think he no longer will be a liability in run support.
Key number: 9 -- career sacks, most by anyone on Clemson's team
How Sapp will win the matchup: Sapp typically lines up to the wide side of the field, giving him more room to operate around the edge. But in an effort to keep the Crimson Tide from sliding their protection in his direction, expect Clemson to move Sapp around so Alabama cannot get a pre-snap read on him. He also can drop back into pass coverage on zone blitzes, triggering a cat-and-mouse game for offensive tackles; if they commit to him and he is dropping, that means one less guy to account for a blitzer elsewhere.
About Smith: The 6-4, 330-pounder from Birmingham, Ala., was regarded by recruiting services as the top offensive lineman nationally in the 2006 recruiting class. He has lived up to the billing, starting all 26 games his first two seasons. Smith, who lost 25 pounds before his sophomore season, was a first-team preseason All-SEC selection and is listed as the top NFL draft-eligible junior lineman by ESPN's Todd McShay.
Key number: 7 -- number of first-year freshmen, including Smith, who have started their first game at Alabama.
How Smith will win the matchup: At closer to 345 pounds, Smith is difficult to get around. He has decent agility for someone his size, so if he gets his hands on Sapp with leverage, that is all she wrote. For that matter, Sapp's extra 10 pounds and increased strength might not make a difference against a lineman of Smith's caliber.
INJURY REPORT:
CLEMSON: Out: DT Rashaad Jackson (knee); Doubtful: CB Coty Sensabaugh (shoulder); Questionable: RB Jamie Harper (ankle).
ALABAMA: Probable: LB Charlie Higgenbotham (groin), WR Will Oakley (foot).
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