Alabama-Clemson predictions: Tuberville, Stallings, Bowden, Coker, more - AL.com

By Mark Heim | mheim@al.com | Posted January 07, 2019 at 06:00 AM

For the fourth consecutive year, either Alabama or Clemson will hoist the College Football Playoff national championship trophy.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is looking for his second national title, while Alabama's Nick Saban is on a quest for his seventh title.

AL.com asked former players, analysts and coaches for their thoughts on Monday night's game in Santa Clara, Calif.

CFP National Championship

David J. Phillip

CFP National Championship

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney pose with the trophy at a news conference for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

Alabama and Clemson have combined for the past three national championships and will meet Monday night to keep the streak alive.

Jake Coker

Brynn Anderson

Jake Coker

Former Alabama quarterback:

"I think Clemson is talented, but they aren't as complete as Alabama. I don't see how Clemson - or anyone - can stop us with a healthy Tua. I think Alabama wins by at least 10 if both teams show up."

Corey Miller

AL.com file photo

Corey Miller

Alabama linebacker Christian Miller's dad who covers Clemson for WACH Fox in South Carolina:

"I'm going Roll Tide. At the end of the day, the offense has an ability to spread the ball around. I think the defense will be the best defense they've seen all year, especially if Christian is able to play. The ability to get to the quarterback, I think Alabama wins by 9 or 10 points."

Gene Stallings

AL.com file photo

Gene Stallings

Former Alabama coach Gene Stallings, who coached Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, and the grandfather of Clemson TE J.C. Chalk:

"I think Alabama's a little bit better team than Clemson. I think it is probably a five-point game. If Clemson can pressure the quarterback, make him throw the football before he' ready, they have an excellent chance of winning the game. ... The thing with Alabama is, they have outstanding wide receivers who go up and get the ball. And now they are running the ball. I think Alabama's a little bit better team."

Phil Savage

AL.com file photo

Phil Savage

GM of Arizona Hot Shots of the Alliance League Phil Savage, former analyst for the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

"I think it will be a really competitive game. It's a really good matchup. Those individual games within the games take place. The Hunter Renfrow vs. Shyheim Carter, Isiah Simmons vs. Irv Smith Jr., Tua Tagovailoa against their group of linebackers. I don't think either school wants it to come down to a kicking contest because neither one has been particularly good there. It's hard to beat Alabama. I think Alabama wins a close game."

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