National Championship Betting News and Notes

National Championship Preview
By Teddy Covers
Sportsmemo.com

One thing has legitimately changed in the four team playoff era, compared to the ‘BCS Championship’ era that just ended prior to last year. Instead of having three weeks to prepare for the title game, teams now have three weeks to prepare for a semi-final game, with a much shorter turnaround time prior to the title game. The three previous national titles that Nick Saban won at Alabama all came under at least somewhat different circumstances than the title game they’ll play in next Monday.

When we take a look back at the national championship teams over the last decade, we can get a decent idea of the commonalities between those teams and use that to project forward for this year. Texas in 2005, Florida in 2006, LSU in 2007, Florida in 2008, Alabama in 2009, Auburn in 2010, Alabama in 2011 and 2012, Florida State in 2013 and Ohio State in 2014 combine to give us a profile worth noting.

The #1 commonality the last ten champions had is elite level talent. That may sound obvious – it is obvious – but there are metrics worthy of mention that give an advantage to Alabama over Clemson. Each of the last ten champs had a recruiting ranking among the top dozen in all of college football in their previous four seasons. Alabama ranks #1 in that regard, by a fairly wide margin, while Clemson doesn’t crack the top dozen.

But Clemson does pass two other tests that almost every recent champion has passed. Nine of the last ten title winners have featured at least one All American on the defensive line. Alabama has A’Shawn Robinson. Clemson has Shaq Lawson. But Lawson hurt his knee during the semi-final win over Oklahoma and his status for the title game isn’t clear yet. If he doesn’t suit up, it’s hard to imagine a more impactful defensive injury for the Tigers.

Eight of the last ten national champs have ranked among the Top 7 teams in the country in pass efficiency defense. Alabama finished the season ranked #5 this year while Clemson finished #7. The high octane offenses attract the most public attention in the betting markets, but it’s likely to be the team that stands tall defensively who brings home the national title next Monday Night.

That being said, this has not been a banner bowl season for the ACC defensively. Florida State got whipped. NC State got hammered. North Carolina got destroyed, as did Pitt. Virginia Tech gave up 52 points to Tulsa. Miami lost to Washington State. Duke won and covered against Indiana, but they were most assuredly on the ‘lucky’ side of that game, and they still gave up 41 points in the process.

Those ACC defenses were the primary culprit in those SU and ATS bowl failures. Louisville was lucky enough to face a third string quarterback from a reeling Texas A&M program. And Miami faced Washington State on a windy, snowy field, keeping the score low. Every other ACC defense (except Clemson) got absolutely torched by their bowl opponent. As a conference, with the exception of Clemson’s win over Oklahoma, the ACC allowed 40 points and more than 550 yards per bowl game.

When we look at those numbers, we have to view Clemson’s entire season in a different light. Perhaps all of that offensive success was a byproduct of a ‘weaker than it looked’ schedule.

The Tigers biggest regular season win – a two point victory over Notre Dame – was aided by monsoon-like conditions that resulted in a +3 turnover margin. The Tigers big ACC Championship Game win over North Carolina looks devalued after the Tar Heels allowed Baylor to hang 49 points on them despite the fact that the Bears were down to a third string quarterback. And Clemson’s big home win over Florida State must be devalued after the Seminoles two TD loss to Houston in their bowl, especially considering FSU didn’t have starting QB Everett Golson for that game either.

Upstarts like Clemson – good programs, but not elite ones, with no recent history of competing for titles – don’t reach the title game very often. Over the last 15 years, the list of title game participants looks like a who’s who of dominant, elite programs. The only teams to play for the title since 2002 have been Ohio State, Oregon, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and USC; a truly elite dozen programs. Clemson’s program simply hasn’t been at that same level.

Alabama has been the single best program in college football since a year or two after Nick Saban arrived on campus. They’ve won three national titles under Saban already, and based on recruiting rankings, and NFL draft projections, they’ve got the most talented team in the country once again this year. Clemson’s gaudy offensive stats must be taken with a grain of salt considering those defensive weaknesses in the ACC. ‘Bama is favored here for a reason….

But before we award the title to the Crimson Tide, it’s important to recognize that Alabama is no lock to win this game, and a SU win won’t cover the pointspread unless that win comes by more than a touchdown. The Crimson Tide lost at home to Ole Miss earlier this season, their single worst defensive showing of the year. They lost in the national championship semi-finals to Ohio State last year as well as a loss at Ole Miss. In 2013, they got whipped in the Sugar Bowl by Oklahoma on the heels of a regular season ending loss to Auburn. In 2012, Texas A&M beat ‘em.

Each and every one of those losses came against a team that plays into Alabama’s lone defensive weakness – their struggles against uptempo spread offenses with mobile quarterbacks. When you push the pace, forcing Saban to alter his substitution patterns, the Crimson Tide defensive is less effective. Every defeat that Alabama has suffered in recent seasons has come against an offense that looks a lot like Clemson’s offense.

Clemson, like Alabama, has been recruiting blue chippers and sending them to the NFL on a regular basis in recent seasons; guys like DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, CJ Spiller, Dwayne Allen, Vic Beasley, Da’Quan Bowers – I could go on, but you get my point. Alabama is truly loaded, but Dabo Sweeney’s squad isn’t short on NFL caliber talent either.

Clemson’s last four bowl games have been SU and ATS wins over Oklahoma (twice), Oho State and LSU. Clemson was the underdog in all four of those contests, and they covered the spread in each and every one of those games by a TD or more. Clemson QB DeShaun Watson has an NFL future; Alabama’s Jake Coker does not. There’s certainly a case to be made for taking a touchdown on a neutral field with the superior quarterback…

NCAAF: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Alabama vs Clemson

Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1, 8-6 ATS) convincingly punched their ticket to the College Football National Championship game dismantling MSU 38-0 as 10-point favorite. QB Jake Coker was an efficient 25-for-30 passing for a career-high 286 yards, two touchdowns. Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry ground out 75 yards, two touchdowns on 20 carries. Defensively, 'Bama' held MSU to a season low 239 total yards and just a single trip into the red zone. It was Alabama at its best. 'Bama' rolls into the title game with a eleven-game win streak scoring 33.2 points/game prevailing by a margin of 22.6 per/contest.

Clemson Tigers (14-0, 7-7 ATS) earned their shot at the National Championship handing Sooners a 37-17 setback as 3.5 point underdog behind QB Deshaun Watson's stellar performance tossing 187 yards, one TD along with 145 yards on the ground for another major. RB Wayne Gallman pounding out 150 yards contributed two touchdowns in the winning effort. Tigers with its unblemished record have racked up 38.4 points/game winning by a margin of 18.4 points/game.

When handicapping this Title Game a couple of trends to ponder. Tide are 4-0 ATS last four against the ACC, but have failed to cover in 10 of their last 14 non-conference games. Tide have cashed 7-of-8 vs a team with a winning record and enter 11-5 ATS at a neutral site. Tigers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine against a team with a winning record, have a 5-2 ATS stretch vs non-conference opponents and a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.

Championship Props
VegasInsider.com

Propositions - per Sportsbook.ag

Team to Score First
Alabama -165
Clemson +135

Will Either Team Score in the First 6 Minutes of the Game
Yes -120
No -110

First Score of the Game will be
Touchdown -235
Any Other Score +190

Alabama Total Points
Over 29.5 (-115)
Under 29.5 (-115)

Clemson Total Points
Over 23 (-120)
Under 23 (-110)

Longest Touchdown of the Game
Over 50.5 (-115)
Under 50.5 (-115)

Adjusted Lines
Alabama +3.5 (-400)
Clemson -3.5 (+300)

Alabama 14.5 (+220)
Clemson -+14.5 (-285)

First Scoring Play
Alabama Touchdown 1/1
Clemson Touchdown 2/1
Alabama Field Goal 4/1
Clemson Field Goal 11/2
Alabama Any Other Score 50/1
Clemson Any Other Score 50/1

Double Result
Alabama Half-Time / Alabama Full-Time 2/3
Clemson Half-Time / Clemson Full-Time 7/2
Clemson Half-Time / Alabama Full-Time 6/1
Alabama Half-Time / Clemson Full-Time 8/1
Tie / Alabama Full-Time 10/1
Tie / Clemson Full-Time 18/1

Total Points Scored by Both Teams
50-56 Points 4/1
43-49 Points 5/1
57-63 Points 5/1
92 or More Points 7/1
36-42 Points 15/2
64-70 Points 8/1
29-35 Points 10/1
71-77 Points 10/1
22-28 Points 15/1
78-84 Points 15/1
85-91 Points 18/1
15-21 Points 30/1
00-14 Points 65/1

Margin of Victory
Alabama Wins by 7-10 points 5/1
Alabama Wins by 1-3 points 6/1
Alabama Wins by 22 or more points 6/1
Alabama Wins by 14-17 points 7/1
Alabama Wins by 4-6 points 8/1
Alabama Wins by 11-13 points 8/1

Clemson Wins by 1-3 points 8/1
Alabama Wins by 18-21 points 9/1
Clemson Wins by 7-10 points 13/1
Clemson Wins by 4-6 points 15/1
Clemson Wins by 14-17 points 25/1
Clemson Wins by 22 or more points 25/1
Clemson Wins by 11-13 points 30/1
Clemson Wins by 18-21 points 45/1

National Championship Preview
By Sportsbook.ag

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (13-1) vs. CLEMSON TIGERS (14-0)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Alabama -6.5, Total: 51

The top two teams in the country will play for the national championship on Monday night in Arizona when No. 2 Alabama collides with unbeaten No.1 Clemson.

Both schools are sizzling hot, as the Crimson Tide (13-1 SU, 8-6 ATS) have ripped off 11 straight wins by an average of 23.2 PPG, while the Tigers (14-0 SU, 7-6-1 ATS) have beaten their past nine opponents by 18.1 PPG. Both teams had little problems in the national semifinals, as Alabama held a 440-239 total yards advantage in a 38-0 pounding of Michigan State, while Clemson rolled up 530 total yards in an easy 37-17 win over Oklahoma.

The last time the Tigers won in this series was 1905, as the Crimson Tide have prevailed in each of the past 12 meetings, including seven by shutout. However, the only matchup to take place in the past 40 years occurred on Aug. 30, 2008 when Alabama beat Clemson 34-10.

There are plenty of reasons for bettors to place a wager on either team Monday, as the Crimson Tide are 26-12 under head coach Nick Saban after allowing less than 750 total yards in a three-game stretch, and excellent offensive teams (34+ PPG) facing good defensive teams (16 to 21 PPG allowed) after a win by 35+ points after 7+ games are a hefty 39-12 ATS (77%) in the past 10 seasons. However, the Tigers are 30-14 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992, and are a perfect 6-0 ATS away from home under head coach Dabo Swinney when facing excellent teams outscoring their opponents by at least 17 PPG.

With Clemson star DL Shaq Lawson (knee) upgraded to probable for this contest, the only absences are all suspension related. Alabama DB Tony Brown is out after violating team rules, while the Tigers trio of WR Deon Cain, TE Jay Jay McCullough and K Ammon Lakip all remain suspended after failing drug tests before the semifinals.

Alabama has nearly identical offensive numbers both overall (34.4 PPG, 424 total YPG) and away from home (34.4 PPG, 428 total YPG), where the team is a perfect 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS. This is a run-heavy offense with 59% of the plays coming on the ground, leading to 204 YPG on 4.8 YPC. The play selection has also resulted in a whopping 33:48 average time of possession this season. The Tide have also been strong through their air with 219 passing YPG on 7.3 YPA.

Heisman Trophy-winning RB Derrick Henry is the main engine of this offense with an eye-popping 2,061 rushing yards on 5.7 YPC and 25 touchdowns. In his past seven games versus FBS opponents (Michigan State and six SEC teams), Henry has carried the football 230 times (33 per game) for 1,328 yards (190 YPG) on 5.8 YPC with 13 touchdowns.

Senior QB Jake Coker (67% completions, 2,775 pass yds, 7.5 YPA, 19 TD, 8 INT) isn't flashy, but he has thrown just two interceptions in his past eight games combined. In his past four games, Coker has connected on 71-of-95 throws (75%) for 206 YPG (8.7 YPA), 7 TD and 0 INT, and is coming off a season-high 286 passing yards in the win over Michigan State. WR Calvin Ridley caught eight of those passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 1,031 receiving yards and 7 TD in his freshman season.

Alabama's defense continues to stifle opponents with allowing a paltry 13.4 PPG on 257 total YPG this season, including 9.3 PPG and 226 total YPG over the past three games. While opposing rushers gain only 71 YPG on 2.3 YPC, opposing quarterbacks don't fare much better with 186 YPG on a mere 5.8 YPA and 49% completion rate. The Crimson Tide have not had a negative turnover margin in any of their past eight games where they have 14 takeaways and only five giveaways. This could be problematic for a Tigers offense that has committed multiple turnovers in eight games this season.

Clemson's offense has been rolling all year with 38.4 PPG on 512 total YPG, and those numbers jump to 41.4 PPG on 544 total YPG away from home. The team keeps the ball on the ground 58% of the time this season, which leads to a hefty 228 rushing YPG on 5.0 YPC.

In the two December postseason games (ACC Championship vs. North Carolina and national semifinals vs. Oklahoma), the Tigers have topped 310 rushing yards both times, totaling 631 yards on 114 carries (5.5 YPC). Despite the rushing prowess, the air attack has also produced at least 215 yards in seven straight games, which runs its season averages to 284 passing YPG on 8.3 YPA.

Sophomore QB Deshaun Watson is having a sensational year with 3,699 passing yards (8.3 YPA), 31 TD and 12 INT. Four different Clemson receivers have at least 34 catches and five touchdown grabs, led by sophomore WR Artavis Scott (89 rec, 868 yds, 5 TD), who has racked up a hefty 49 receptions over the past seven games. Watson has also run for 1,032 yards (5.5 YPC) and 12 TD this year, which includes five 100-yard efforts in the past six contests.

The team's top ground gainer is RB Wayne Gallman, who has picked up 1,482 rushing yards (5.5 YPC) and 12 touchdowns this year. Gallman has topped the 100-yard mark in nine of his past 11 games, including 187 yards in the ACC title game and 150 yards versus Oklahoma.

The Tigers defense often gets overshadowed by the explosive offense, but this unit has been solid all season in holding opponents to 20.0 PPG on 302 total YPG. The run-stop unit limits teams to a meager 125 YPG on 3.6 YPC while opposing quarterbacks are throwing for only 177 YPG on 6.0 YPA and 48% completions. The Clemson defense has also generated a respectable 25 turnovers this season, but is facing an Alabama offense with only one turnover in the past four games combined.

National Championship Preview

Alabama won three of last six national titles; they lost 43-37 back on Sept 19 at home to Ole Miss. Clemson hasn't lost; I'm not a fan of giving points to an unbeaten team. SEC teams are 8-2 SU/ATS in bowls this year; over last five years, SEC teams are 8-4 vs ACC teams in bowls, 1-1 this year. Alabama is 4-2 in last six bowls; five of the six games were decided by 14+. Clemson won its last four bowls, all as an underdog, scoring 39.0 ppg in last three- their last national title was in '81, when Bama graduate Ford was the coach. Swinney is also a Crimson Tide alum. Bama allowed 10 ppg in its last seven games, covering five of last six. ACC teams are 4-5 in bowl games this year, 13-18 the last three years.

Armadillosports.com

National Championship Game Betting Preview
By Covers.com

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Clemson Tigers (+6.5, 50.5)

Second-ranked Alabama is looking for its fourth national title in the past seven seasons when it faces top-ranked Clemson in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Glendale, Ariz. on Monday. The Crimson Tide reached the title game with a resounding 38-0 victory over Michigan State in the semifinals for their 11th straight victory. The Tigers have won 17 consecutive games dating back to last season and throttled Oklahoma in the second half of their semifinal en route to a 37-17 victory.

Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry of Alabama has rushed for an SEC-record 2,061 yards to go with a conference-tying 25 rushing touchdowns while cementing himself as one of the top running backs in school and SEC history. Clemson sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting and his multidimensional skills - 3,699 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, 1,032 rushing yards and 12 scores - concern Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. "Really is probably as fine a dual-threat quarterback as we've played against for a long, long time and certainly does an outstanding job of executing their offense, and there's no question about the fact that he's an outstanding leader as well, because you can see the way the players sort of rally around him," Saban told reporters.

The status of Clemson junior defensive end Shaq Lawson remains unclear after he suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee during the semifinal victory over Oklahoma. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has stated that he is hopeful that Lawson (team-best 23.5 tackles for losses, including 10.5 sacks) would be able to play, but the NFL-bound Lawson didn't sound as sure when he met with reporters Tuesday. "I probably wouldn't be able to say I can play right now," Lawson said. "I've just got to get comfortable with it. I'm not comfortable with it right now."

LINE HISTORY: Alabama opened the national championship game favored by a converted touchdown. They have then bounced back and forth between -6.5 and -7 since. They are currently 6.5-pooint favorites. The total has been bet down three points since opening at 53.5 and now sits at 50.5. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Alabama - DB T. Brown (out Monday, suspension).

Clemson - S. Lawson (probable Monday, knee), WR D. Cain (out Monday, suspension), PK A. Lakip (out Monday, suspension), TE J. McCullough (out Monday, suspension).

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Sharps and squares are on both sides of spread, but there has been a tad bit more smart money on the underdog than the favorite. Currently, we have about 60 percent of the wagers on Alabama but the money handle is almost dead even. I don’t anticipate us moving off the -7 as kickoff approaches.The under has been hit extremely hard by the steam as we’re down a full three points from the open of 53. This might creep back up to 51 as the public gets more involved on Monday, but it won’t move past that." - Scott Cooley of BookMaker.

ABOUT ALABAMA (13-1, 8-6 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Henry topped 100 yards nine times - and 200 on four occasions - and senior Kenyan Drake (407 yards) is back from a broken arm to provide a nice duo to help take pressure off senior quarterback Jake Coker (2,775 yards, 19 touchdowns). Freshman receiver Calvin Ridley pumped life into the passing game with 83 receptions with 1,031 yards and defensive stalwarts such as junior strong safety Eddie Jackson (team-high five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns), senior middle linebacker Reggie Ragland (team-best 97 tackles) and junior defensive Jonathan Allen (team-high 12 sacks) were among the players that pushed for a higher standard when the Crimson Tide were staggering in September. "I think the early loss to Ole Miss probably did a lot to jilt the attitude of this team in helping them do the things they needed to do, to be what they could be and follow and do the things that were necessary for them to be a good football team," Saban said.

ABOUT CLEMSON (14-0, 7-7 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Swinney grew up in Alabama and played and coached for the Crimson Tide before finding his way to Clemson and finds humor in the irony that he must beat his beloved alma mater to win his first national crown as a head coach. "You go on with your life, and I've been at Clemson 13 years, and I've been trying to get back to the National Championship as a coach for 20-plus years now," Swinney said on a teleconference call. "You know, to have the opportunity to be in my first national championship game as a coach, and it comes against Alabama, I just have to smile at God on that one." Sophomore running back Wayne Gallman set a school-rushing mark with 1,482 yards to go with 12 touchdowns while the Lawson-led defense also features standouts in senior middle linebacker B.J. Goodson (team-best 98 tackles), junior cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (team-leading five interceptions) and junior defensive end Kevin Dodd (nine sacks).

TRENDS:

* Alabama is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. ACC.
* Clemson is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Over is 8-2 in Alabama's last 10 bowl games.
* Under is 10-3 in Tigers last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.

CONSENSUS: The public is giving the slight edge to the dog here, with 56 percent of wagers on Clemson. As for the total, 62 percent of wagers are on the over.

Clemson vs. Alabama
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Alabama will be gunning for its fourth national title during Nick Saban’s nine-year tenure when it takes on Clemson in Monday’s College Football Playoff finals in Glendale, AZ.

As of Sunday afternoon, most betting shops had Alabama (13-1 straight up, 8-6 against the spread) installed as a seven-point favorite with a total of 50.5 points for ‘over/under’ wagers. The Tigers were +220 on the money line (risk $100 to win $220).

A few books had Alabama favored by 6.5, while many of the others at seven were forcing Clemson backers to lay a -120 price (leaving ‘Bama -7 for even money). For first-half wagers, most spots had the Crimson Tide as a 3.5-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 25.5 points.

Saban’s squad rolled past Michigan State 38-0 as a 10-point favorite in the CFP semifinals. It was the team’s 11th win in a row and its 10th by a margin of 13 points or more. Seven of ‘Bama’s 13 wins have come against teams that won their respective bowl games.

Jake Coker completed 25-of-30 passes for 286 yards and two TDs without an interception against the Spartans. Derrick Henry rushed 20 times for 75 yards and a pair of scores, while Kenyan Drake produced 60 rushing yards on just four totes.

Freshman WR Calvin Ridley hauled in eight receptions for 138 yards and two TDs. The Alabama defense pitched the shutout and limited Michigan State to only 239 yards of total offense.

Henry won the Heisman Trophy by rushing for 2,061 yards and 25 TDs while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

Coker has seven TD passes without an interception in the Tide’s last four games. For the season, the transfer from Florida State has completed 67.1 percent of his throws for 2,775 yards with a 19/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Once viewed as the weak link for Saban’s team, Coker has become a strength down the stretch.

Much of that credit has to go to a dynamic set of wideouts led by Ridley, the true freshman who has lived up to his five-star billing and then some. Ridley has a team-best 83 receptions for 1,031 yards and seven TDs. ArDarius has 61 catches for 637 yards and four TDs.

Clemson (14-0 SU, 7-7 ATS) advanced to the finals by outscoring Oklahoma 21-0 in the second half of last week’s 37-17 win in Miami as a 3.5-point underdog. The Tigers hooked up money-line backers with a payout in the +160 range (paid $160 on $100 wagers).

Wayne Gallman led the way with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Deshaun Watson rushed 24 times for 145 yards and one TD. The sophomore quarterback threw for 187 yards and another TD.

Artavis Scott had five receptions for 63 yards, while Hunter Renfrow had four catches for 59 yards, including a 35-yard TD grab.

Watson was a Heisman Trophy finalist and first-team All-American selection. The Gainesville, GA., product completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 3,704 yards with a 31/12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Watson also rushed for 1,032 yards and 12 TDs.

Alabama has the best defensive line in the country and likes to put helmets on the QB. However, Kirby Smart’s unit will face the most athletic signal caller it has seen since losing to Ole Miss and Chad Kelly back in Week 3. Watson’s ability to elude rushers and then make big plays with his legs will be pivotal.

Gallman rushed for a team-high 1,469 yards and 12 TDs while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. The sophomore also has 19 catches for 165 yards and one TD.

When last year’s leading receiver Mike Williams went down with a season-ending neck injury in early September, Scott became Watson’s go-to option. Scott, another sophomore like Gallman and Watson, has 89 receptions for 868 yards and five TDs.

Charone Peake has 44 catches for 617 yards and five TDs, while Jordan Leggett has 35 catches for 447 yards and a team-high seven TDs. Deon Cain, who won’t play after being suspended prior to the win over OU, had 34 catches for 582 yards and five TDs.

Alabama has been a single-digit favorite four times this season, going 3-1 ATS. Meanwhile, Clemson’s only underdog spot of the season was in the win over the Sooners.

Clemson is ranked sixth in the nation in total defense (302.0 YPG), ninth against the pass, 18th versus the run and 16th in scoring (20.0 PPG).

Alabama’s defense has allowed more than 17 points just twice – 23 at Texas A&M and 43 vs. Ole Miss. This unit is No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense (13.4 PPG), No. 1 against the run (70.8 YPG), No. 18 versus the pass and second in total defense (256.7 YPG).

Senior LB Reggie Ragland is the catalyst for Alabama’s stop unit. The first-team All-American selection has 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, seven passes broken up, six QB hurries and two forced fumbles. Junior safety Eddie Jackson earned third-team All-American honors thanks to 43 tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two passes broken up and five interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes.

Clemson’s defense is led by Shaq Lawson, a first-team All-ACC selection who has 56 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble and five QB hurries. Junior LB Ben Boulware has 79 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, 10 QB hurries, seven passes broken up and three forced fumbles.

The ‘over’ is on a 7-3 run in Clemson’s last 10 games and is 8-6 overall. When it has had totals in the 50s, the ‘over’ has compiled a 6-3 mark. The Tigers’ games have averaged combined scores of 58.4 points per game.

The ‘under’ is 9-5 overall for the Tide, 8-3 in its last 11 outings. When it has had totals in the 50s, the ‘under’ cashed at a 4-3 rate in seven such instances. The Tide’s games have averaged combined scores of 47.7 PPG.

There are proposition bets galore all over the board. For instance, gamblers can wager on the player to score the first touchdown of the game.

For this prop, Henry is the +250 ‘chalk.’ The next-shortest odds belong to Ridley (7/1), Scott (10/1), Gallman (10/1), Watson (10/1) and Stewart (12/1). I think Gallman, Watson and Stewart are the best value options.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets

Ohio State has now lost nine players by early declaration for the NFL Draft.

Florida has lost safety Keanu Neal, DE Alex McCalister, CB Vernon Hargreaves III, WR DeMarcus Robinson and RB Kelvin Taylor early to the NFL Draft. The Gators are still awaiting word from safety Marcus Maye and LB Jarrad Davis, who is reportedly having second thoughts on his December statement that he would return for his senior campaign. The Gators have added Purdue QB transfer, Austin Appleby, and also has Luke Del Rio, a transfer from Oregon State (via Alabama) who sat out the 2015 campaign.

Tennessee has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop as its new DC.

Texas A&M’s former five-star QBs have new homes. Kyle Allen has landed at Houston, while Kyler Murray is now an Oklahoma Sooner. The Aggies have parted ways with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, replacing him with UCLA OC Noel Mazzone.

As expected, Arkansas RB Alex Collins is leaving school early for the NFL.

Florida State QB Sean Maguire will undergo ankle surgery and miss spring practice.

Ole Miss five-star signee QB Shea Patterson earned MVP honors at Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Game.