5 Players Who Must Step Up For Clemson In College Football Playoff National Championship

5 Players Who Must Step Up For Clemson In National Title Game

In Monday night's national title game, the Clemson Tigers will try finish with an unblemished record with a victory over Alabama. Here are five players that must step up for Clemson in the national championship game.

5 Players Who Must Step Up For Clemson In National Title Game

In Monday night's national title game, the Clemson Tigers will try finish with an unblemished record with a victory over Alabama. Here are five players that must step up for Clemson in the national championship game.

5. DE Shaq Lawson

Lawson left the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma early with a left knee injury, and he was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Head coach Dabo Swinney has expressed optimism Lawson will play on Monday night, and Clemson needs the nation's leader in tackles for loss (23.5, along with 10.5 sacks) available to whatever level he can be.

5. DE Shaq Lawson

Lawson left the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma early with a left knee injury, and he was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Head coach Dabo Swinney has expressed optimism Lawson will play on Monday night, and Clemson needs the nation's leader in tackles for loss (23.5, along with 10.5 sacks) available to whatever level he can be.

4. CB Mackensie Alexander

Alexander is a legit NFL prospect, and his presumed matchup with Alabama freshman wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be one to watch.

4. CB Mackensie Alexander

Alexander is a legit NFL prospect, and his presumed matchup with Alabama freshman wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be one to watch.

3. LB B.J. Goodson and LB Ben Boulware

I'm putting both Goodson and Boulware here, since they both had an interception in the Orange Bowl and were key cogs in holding Oklahoma to just 67 yards rushing in the game. A similar effort will be needed Monday night, as the Tigers try to keep Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry in-check and put the burden on quarterback Jake Coker to carry Alabama's offense.

3. LB B.J. Goodson and LB Ben Boulware

I'm putting both Goodson and Boulware here, since they both had an interception in the Orange Bowl and were key cogs in holding Oklahoma to just 67 yards rushing in the game. A similar effort will be needed Monday night, as the Tigers try to keep Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry in-check and put the burden on quarterback Jake Coker to carry Alabama's offense.

2. RB Wayne Gallman

Gallman is about to end a great season, with 1,482 rushing yards thus far. Effectiveness as a runner is one thing, which will be a big challenge against a stout Alabama run defense. But I see Gallman being an overlooked and important contributor to Clemson's pass offense on Monday night, as both a short-area pass catcher and an extra blocker.

2. RB Wayne Gallman

Gallman is about to end a great season, with 1,482 rushing yards thus far. Effectiveness as a runner is one thing, which will be a big challenge against a stout Alabama run defense. But I see Gallman being an overlooked and important contributor to Clemson's pass offense on Monday night, as both a short-area pass catcher and an extra blocker.

1. QB Deshaun Watson

Mobile quarterbacks tend to give Alabama trouble, and Watson is that with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. Watson's prowess as a passer (3,699 yards, 68.2 percent completion rate and 31 touchdowns) should not be overlooked though, and his ability to do both things well against a defense laden with NFL talent will be crucial for Clemson.

1. QB Deshaun Watson

Mobile quarterbacks tend to give Alabama trouble, and Watson is that with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. Watson's prowess as a passer (3,699 yards, 68.2 percent completion rate and 31 touchdowns) should not be overlooked though, and his ability to do both things well against a defense laden with NFL talent will be crucial for Clemson.