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me Paul Booker
Let’s break this game down by position:
QB: Cullen Harper the Senior QB for the Tigers returns to All-ACC accolades and a boat load of gifted skill players. However, the question has to be asked is Harper that talented or is he the beneficiary of his supporting cast. Alabama Senior QB John Parker Wilson, who surprisingly will hold most major Bama passing records before the end of the season, loses his top three receivers to graduation. JPW is set to start with his third offensive coordinator in three years.Advantage: Clemson
RB: James Davis and C.J. Spiller return as arguably the best backfield in the nation. Davis surprisingly spurned the NFL and returned for his Senior season after dropping 1,064 rushing yards in 2007. Who needs a couple more million dollars anyway? His tag-team partner Spiller brings the speed to this combo and 764 yards from last year. Glen Coffee has been designated as “Mr. Consistency” by Nick Saban and won the starting RB position and will be backed up by Freshman Mark Ingram and Sophomore Terry Grant. Grant the starter in 2007 continues to be hindered from shin splints and a sports hernia. Advantage: Clemson
WR: All-ACC WR Aaron Kelly bring his 6’5” frame and 1,081 of receiving yards back for his Senior season. Underrated Tyler Grisham also brings a deep threat to the Tigers receiving corp. Mike McCoy is the only returning starting WR for the Tide who lost their top three receivers to graduation. Also starting from day 1 is super recruit Julio Jones. Fellow Freshman B.J. Scott received praise from Tide coaches and should see the field in Atlanta. Advantage: Clemson
TE: Returning starter Michael Palmer should provide consistency for the Tigers, which will be nice. Bama returns two Seniors Nick Walker and Travis McCall. Walker has been tapped as the starter and is more of a receiving threat while McCall is the better blocker. Advantage: Alabama
OL: Clemson loses three starters up-front returning with only the Thomas Austin at Center considered a strength. If the Tigers are to utilize all the talent at the skill positions the OL are going to have to improve quickly. The Tide returns four starters including All-American LT Andre Smith. All-SEC Antoine Caldwell anchors the middle of the line sandwiched by Mike Johnson and Marlon Davis. Please keep Drew Davis in your prayers. Advantage: Alabama
DL: All-ACC Dorell Scott brings experience to the front four along with ultra talented Freshman Da’Quinton Bowers. Bama counters with “Mount Cody” 6’5” 365lb. Junior Terrance Cody playing the Nose Tackle position. Cody allows Lorenzo Washington to move to DE and provide much needed depth there. If Rashaad Jackson had two good quadriceps I would swing the advantage the other way. Advantage: Alabama
LB: What a cluster this position is for both teams. Clemson loses SR LB Cortney Vincent because he allegedly likes to have a few drinks and drive around therefore forcing the Tigers to replace all LB starters from 2007. The Tide returns All-SEC LB Rolando McClain but is forced to start true Freshman Dont’a Hightower because Jimmy Johns was allegedly trying to become Alabama’s Scarface. Advantage: Alabama
Secondary: Clemson returns all four players including All-ACC Safety Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons. The Tigers should maintain a stingy pass defense which ranked 13th overall in pass defense in 2007. Bama has All-SEC Safety Rashad Johnson roaming the field along with kick return specialist Javy Arenas. Advantage: Clemson
Kicking: The Tigers return kicker Mark Bucholtz however that may not be for the best. Bucholtz only made 61% of his kicks in 2007. Leigh Tiffin returns for the Tide after setting a record for points in a season with 111. Advantage: Alabama
Coaching: The pressure has never been hotter for Tommy Bowden than 2008 to bring home a trophy. Clemson will have the more talented team on Saturday but that doesn’t guarantee victory. Saban won’t be intimidated by the primetime television and embraces the publicity. Tony Barnhart of ESPN called this a game “Nick Saban would like to win, but Tommy Bowden has to win”, not where Bowden does his finest work. Advantage: Alabama
Score Prediction: Alabama 23 – Clemson 21