Mistakes have placed Alabama football in a 15-point hole at halftime.
Despite tossing for two touchdowns, sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also totaled two interceptions – including one returned for a touchdown to give Clemson a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Aside from the picks and almost losing a fumble, he is 13 of 17 passing for 158 yards.
Jerry Jeudy is the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver with 91 yards and one touchdown on four receptions.
His 62-yard connection with Tagovailoa tied the game at seven. The duo of DeVonta Smith and tight end Irv Smith, Jr. both have three catches apiece. In a homecoming game for Najee Harris, the California native leads the Tide in rushing with 48 yards on seven carries.
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While forcing turnovers has given Clemson a 31-16 lead, the play of true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been outstanding. The native Georgian outplayed Tagovailoa in the first half, completing 12 of 21 passes for 197 yards with one score. Alabama’s defense has been able to neutralize the Tigers’ rushing attack; however, Travis Etienne does have two touchdowns.
Tee Higgins leads Clemson’s receiving corps with 76 yards on two catches.
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has had trouble shutting down Alabama’s rushing attack, but the pass rush from the Tigers has affected Tagovailoa.
Sophomore defensive back Isaiah Simmons leads the team with six tackles, while Trayveon Mullen and A.J. Terrell both have one interception apiece.
Second half adjustments are definitely needed for the Tide on offense and defense as it gets the ball to start the second half of the College Football Playoff national title match.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
