College Football Playoff championship: Who has the edge?

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Breaking down the College Football Playoff championship, Alabama vs. Clemson (Monday, ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET):

PASSING

Alabama quarterback Jacob Coker saved the best performance of his career the Cotton Bowl win against Michigan State. If he can match that performance against Clemson, the Crimson Tide will be very difficult for the Tigers’ defense to handle. Clemson’s own quarterback, Deshaun Watson, is one of the nation’s best players and the key behind his team’s offensive success. No edge in this game is more distinct than Clemson’s at quarterback.

RUSHING

Paced by this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Derrick Henry, Alabama’s running game punishes and wears down opposing defenses. Henry is the star, but senior Kenyan Drake has developed into an invaluable reserve and pass-catcher. That Alabama houses the Heisman winner will overshadow Clemson’s own running back, Wayne Gallman, who has quietly run for nearly 1,500 yards. Gallman and Watson have combined for 2,514 rushing yards, and might be the best backfield tandem in the FBS.

DEFENSE

Alabama’s defense ranks in the top two nationally in total yards allowed per game, yards allowed per play, rushing yards allowed per play and points allowed per game. The unit has been one of the best of Coach Nick Saban’s tenure. Clemson group isn’t quite as athletic, talented or deep, but the Tigers slowed down a wide range of offenses — spread-based, run-heavy, pass-heavy — to be unbeaten heading into the championship game.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Clemson doesn’t match Alabama’s production in the return game. One Alabama specialist, defensive back Cyrus Jones, has scored four times on punt returns. While both teams have had issues in coverage, Alabama has been the more consistent of the two teams. Where does Clemson have an edge? An advantage may be found with the kicker, where the Tigers’ starting kicker, Greg Huegel, has been very steady on field goals as a redshirt freshman.

COACHING

The work Dabo Swinney has done at Clemson speaks for itself. Yet Swinney has yet to be in this situation, while Saban has won three national championships at Alabama and four overall. Being familiar with the stage and what work must be done behind the scenes to keep his players focused is one advantage Saban has over Swinney. In Swinney’s corner, meanwhile, is that he’s the head coach of the only undefeated team in college football.

PREDICTION

It won’t take a perfect game for Clemson to beat Alabama, but the Tigers cannot afford any self-inflicted errors. There are a few factors in Clemson’s corner, including an offense (and quarterback to run it) that recently has given Alabama trouble. In addition, the Tigers’ defense has been extremely underrated throughout the regular season and postseason. Alabama has yet to face a quarterback or offense of this caliber, and Clemson’s ability to score quickly gives the Tigers an edge in deciding the national championship.

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