Happy New Year !!! Well almost

2017 is almost over and Bama finished the regular season with a Heartbreaker to Auburn.  Credit where it's due, Bama simply got beat!   In non Bama (Saban) like fashion, The Tide played sloppy, turned the ball over, got sacked when it wasn't necessary and committed too many mistakes to keep it closer.   This loss of course kept the Tide at home for the SEC Championship game.  And we all know Ga beat the Tigers on the second try thus the Dawgs head to the Playoffs....

There were some tense moments in the days that followed?  Was Bama one loss, in or out?  Thankfully the committee chose Bama to be in.

#4 Seed Bama takes on #1 Seed Clemson!  This is not for the Championship as it has been for the years past, but it is ONE AND DONE.  Despite being the #4 Seed, Bama comes in as a 3 point favorite according to odds makers.

Clemson lost very early in the year to Syracuse - of course Bama late to Auburn.   Clemson was without their starting QB vs the Cuse, and Bama - has been plagued with injuries in the linebacker position all year.    What does it all mean?

In synopsis -  Bama will have had over 35 days since they last played.  Clemson played in their Conference Championship game in early December.  Who does that favor?  Who knows, but it has given Bama the opportunity to get some guys in better health.  

Frankly this game is scary for Bama fans.  But, there are 126 other teams who would love to be in this final 4.    Why is it scary ?  Bama really hasn't played very well since the TAMU game.  There just seems to be something missing.   The team hasn't looked in SYNC.   The last two (SEC) games of the season, Bama has not played as well as they can, and it showed.  Clemson on the other hand, has seemed to get better as the season rolled along.  Their Defense, is very very good and may give Bama fits if Bama finds themselves behind the chains on any down.

Keys for a Bama victory?  Easy - convert on 3^rd down - and keep Clemson off the field.   Bama was miserable against Auburn on both.   Play that way again, and it will be a LONG night.   But go back to that time between games?  Has Bama gotten some of the "kinks" out?  

Another thing is the Kicking Game.  I do believe Bama has the advantage in the kicking game.  Clemson has struggled with FG's over 35 yards.   If it comes to kicking game - Bama will win. 

So I say Bama will prevail.  Bama will have some things that Clemson will be surprised about.   It will be a close game, but Bama wins

  26         30

ROLL TIDE !