An intense game is in the works at the home of Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals. Heisman finalists Derrick Henry and Deshaun Watson have been solid.
Henry chimes in with 116 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. His two scores came on runs of 50 and one yard.
For Watson, it has been more so of his arm than his legs doing damage against Alabama’s defense.
He has completed 12 of 18 passes for 161 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Watson’s 45 rushing yards have come on broken plays than designed calls, which has frustrated the Crimson Tide’s defense. Both of his touchdown passed were hauled in by wide out Hunter Renfrow.
The Tigers outgained Alabama in the first half 219-196.
Clemson’s defense affected Alabama quarterback Jacob Coker in the first half with four sacks. Defensive linemen Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd were both credited with two sacks each. Safety Geno Matias-Smith leads Alabama in total tackles with seven, while linebacker Reuben Foster has five. Defensive back Eddie Jackson accounted for the game’s only turnover, an interception off Watson in the second quarter.
One half remains at University of Phoenix Stadium until we crown a champion. The game is tied at 14 at halftime.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
