All the media talk, flashy commercials and in-depth studying has set the stage for what intends to be an epic national title game rematch between Alabama and Clemson. While the Crimson Tide looks to defend its claim as national champions, Tigers’ quarterback Deshaun Watson and company anticipate bringing the Playoff trophy to its Death Valley. The previous meeting between these two schools was an 85-point affair, which featured Clemson’s high-flying offense and Alabama’s Heisman-winning running back, Derrick Henry.
Despite a 45-40 victory, many Tide players felt that Clemson did not get the “real Alabama defense.”
Even with switching offensive coordinators—Lane Kiffin to Steve Sarkisian—head coach Nick Saban was very pleased with the energy and effort given this week in practice. As the Crimson Tide prepare to be the first program to win back-to-back championships in the College Football Playoff era, listed below are its top five impact players for next Monday night.
5. JK Scott, Punter
“Any possession that ends in a kick is a good possession.”- Nick Saban
Regardless of how good Alabama’s defense is, JK Scott must force Clemson to work the entire field. He was a crucial factor in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, backing Washington on its own 10-yard line on three of eight punts. The Denver, Colo., native has turned an average of 47.4 yards per attempt, with 20 of his 54 kicks (37 percent) landing inside the opponents 20-yard line.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety
Sophomore wide receiver Hunter Renfrow made Fitzpatrick look like a freshman last year, and the New Jersey native remembers it. During player interviews on Wednesday, he blamed himself (two touchdowns allowed) for the Tide’s defensive performance and is ready to atone at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
He’s one of the team leaders in tackles (62), including five for loss and a sack. Fitzpatrick has seven pass breakups and a team-high six interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns.
3. Jalen Hurts, Quarterback
After emulating Deshaun Watson a year ago, Hurts will suit up against him.
A lapse in focus from Lane Kiffin caused Hurts to struggle in his last two games; however, Sarkisian’s enthusiasm and interaction is rebuilding his confidence. The Channelview, Texas native has not been asked to do much all season, but he will have to make some clutch throws and protect the ball in this game. Hurts is one touchdown shy of tying the school’s single season record (35), as he looks to become just the second true freshman in college football history to lead his team to a national title (Jamelle Holieway, 1985, Oklahoma).
2. ArDarius Stewart, Wide receiver
He’s been motivating players all week, yet it was ArDarius Stewart who did not record a single catch against Washington. In its wins over Southern California, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Auburn, Stewart was heavily involved in the Tide’s offense. His hands, speed, toughness and versatility make him a tough out for defenders and a reliable target for Hurts. Stewart has 852 yards and eight touchdowns on 52 catches.
1. Bo Scarbrough, Running back
He had been working toward an impact performance all season, and everything fell in place for Scarbrough during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound freight train pounded the Huskies for career-high 180 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 19 carries (9.5 average).
His 68-yard run in the fourth quarter displayed both the power and speed reminiscent of former Alabama standout, Derrick Henry. Scarbrough eluded multiple tackles, set up a cutback block inside ArDarius Stewart and traveled to the painted grass for the final score of the game.
With Sarkisian taking over for Kiffin, the Tuscaloosa native could be in for a huge outing.
Sarkisian had six 1,000-yard rushers during his time at head coach for the University of Washington (2009-13) and University of Southern California (2014-15), including five seasons in which a back totaled 100 yards rushing a game. Knowing this, he plans to establish the run game to simplify the formula for Hurts.
Tigers’ defensive coordinator Brent Venables expects to limit Scarbrough, despite mentoring unit that’s allowed 123.1 yards a game and 17 touchdowns.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
