CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson’s offensive line has conquered challenges all season. Its final one – and perhaps biggest – will come in the national championship game against Alabama’s dominating defense.
“We’ve always been a question mark around here,” Tigers center Jay Guillermo said.
In this Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, file photo, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is congratulated by linemen Christian Wilkins (42) and Mitch Hyatt (75) after Watson scored a touchdown during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Oklahoma, in Miami Gardens, Fla.There certainly will be more questions about the line and the top-ranked Tigers (14-0) leading up to their matchup on Jan. 11 in Arizona with the powerful Crimson Tide (13-1), which completely shut down Big Ten champion Michigan State 38-0 in the Cotton Bowl last Thursday night.
No. 2 Alabama held the Spartans to a season-low 239 yards as linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive end Jonathan Allen had their way Michigan State’s offensive line, combining for four sacks and six tackles for loss.
The Clemson offensive line – none who were starters before this year – know they have to fare better, even if there are questions whether they actually can.