2019 CFP National Championship Preview: Clemson vs Alabama

• #1 Alabama and #2 Clemson meet on January 7 in Northern California for the National Title
• These teams played for the title in ’16 and ’17 with both squads earning a ring
• The Crimson Tide are seeking a third title in four years

---

For the huge majority of the college football season, one of two questions was pondered.

Either pundits wondered if anybody could beat Alabama, or they speculated on how a Tide vs. Clemson showdown would play out, since they were clearly the two best teams throughout the campaign.

While there were twists and turns during the season the predictable has come true, and we finally have our matchup of heavyweights.

Two unbeaten and rarely challenged powerhouses meet seeking the College Football Playoff Title.

2019 College Football Playoff Championship Odds

Team	Spread at Bovada	Moneyline
Clemson (#2)	+6.5 (-115)	+185
Alabama (#1)	-6.5 (-105)	-225

*Odds provided by Bovada (Dec. 30).

It has been easy to watch Alabama all year long and conclude they are the best team in the country by a significant margin.

The Tide played just one tight game, the SEC Title tilt against Georgia, and their conference is the best in the nation. However, numbers gurus see this as about a two point game.

Clemson was tested just twice, and those wins over Texas A&M and Syracuse came in September. The Tigers have been equally as dominant recently.

Clemson vs Alabama Statistical Comparison

2018 Stat	Clemson	Alabama
Record	14-0	14-0
S&P+ Defensive Rank	1st	8th
S&P+ Offensive Rank	7th	2nd
S&P+ Overall Rank	2nd	1st

To the surprise of nobody paying attention, these teams rank extremely highly.

Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa was the Heisman Trophy runner up and though it is a year away, will try to be a rare left handed starting signal-caller in the NFL.

Clemson freshman Trevor Lawrence is still a couple of seasons away from the pros, but he is an enormous prospect who has had a remarkable first season.

How to Bet the College Football Playoff Championship

This is a relatively easy game to handicap.

If you believe in the eye test, it is Alabama. Challenged just once, they rallied to beat Georgia, have a team full of pros, significant history on their side, arguably the best coach in the history of the sport, and have looked the part all year.

If you are more data driven, the call is Clemson.

They have been overshadowed, but been equally impressive. Their quarterback might actually be the better prospect, and the two title games between these teams have both been ultra tight.

Sportsbooks know if they make the spread seven, sharp bettors will unload their wallets on Clemson. If they get even close to equal betting at 6.5 that is a strong indication the pros prefer the Tigers even if they aren’t getting the full touchdown.

That is the side we want to be on

Best Bet: Clemson +6.5

The post 2019 CFP National Championship Preview: Clemson vs Alabama appeared first on My Top Sportsbooks.

Original source: https://www.mytopsportsbooks.com/free-picks/ncaa-college/2019-cfp-national-championship-preview/

Relevant news