GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – As with any sequel, Alabama-Clemson II will have some new characters and fresh plot lines.
The top-ranked Crimson Tide and No. 3 Tigers will meet in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 9 in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Last year they played a wild 45-40 game won by ‘Bama. It gave Nick Saban a fourth national title with the Tide and fifth overall.
The rematch is a chance for Saban and Alabama to add to an already unprecedented run of four national championships in seven years. For Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, it is another opportunity to beat his beloved alma mater and snap a title drought for the Tigers that stretches back more than three decades.
Deshaun Watson is back. The Clemson quarterback was so good last season against the Tide that Saban was comparing him to Cam Newton.
O.J. Howard returns for Alabama, the tight end who had a career game in last year’s final. Both teams once again feature fearsome defensive lines, even though some of the stars have changed.