5 Players Who Must Step Up for Alabama In College Football National Championship

5 Players Who Must Step Up for Alabama In College Football National Championship

By Brad Berreman

January 9, 2016

On Monday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide will try to give head coach Nick Saban his fifth national title and spoil Clemson’s run at an undefeated season. Here are five players who must step up for the Crimson Tide during the National Championship game.

arrow-left — Ridley has made an instant impact as a freshman this season, leading the Crimson Tide in receptions (83), receiving yards (1,031) and receiving touchdowns (seven). He is coming off a big game in the Cotton Bowl (eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns), and he's had back-to-back 100-yard games as well. Ridley will again be an important piece of Alabama's offense on Monday night,

arrow-right — Ridley has made an instant impact as a freshman this season, leading the Crimson Tide in receptions (83), receiving yards (1,031) and receiving touchdowns (seven). He is coming off a big game in the Cotton Bowl (eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns), and he's had back-to-back 100-yard games as well. Ridley will again be an important piece of Alabama's offense on Monday night,

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arrow-left — Henry had two touchdowns against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, but he had just 20 carries for 75 yards in the game. Clemson will surely be focused on stopping the Heisman Trophy winner, but getting him a lot of touches should still be a priority for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

arrow-right — Henry had two touchdowns against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, but he had just 20 carries for 75 yards in the game. Clemson will surely be focused on stopping the Heisman Trophy winner, but getting him a lot of touches should still be a priority for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

arrow-left — Howard has not been consistently involved in Alabama's offense in terms of catches, but 19 of his 33 receptions have moved the chains this season. Big target volume is probably not coming to him on Monday night, but Howard can shift the momentum by coming through when called upon.

arrow-right — Howard has not been consistently involved in Alabama's offense in terms of catches, but 19 of his 33 receptions have moved the chains this season. Big target volume is probably not coming to him on Monday night, but Howard can shift the momentum by coming through when called upon.

arrow-left — Ragland is in line to be a first-round NFL draft pick this spring, and he could be the first linebacker drafted. On Monday night, he will be the driving force for any success Alabama has against Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson as a run defender (97 total tackles this season), blitzer (six quarterback hurries), and pass defender (seven pass breakups).

arrow-right — Ragland is in line to be a first-round NFL draft pick this spring, and he could be the first linebacker drafted. On Monday night, he will be the driving force for any success Alabama has against Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson as a run defender (97 total tackles this season), blitzer (six quarterback hurries), and pass defender (seven pass breakups).

arrow-left — Coker had his best game of the season against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, going 25-for-30 for 286 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. He finished with a 185.4 passer rating and 91.7 adjusted QBR. A similarly good performance will be needed Monday night as Clemson puts the focus on taking Derrick Henry out of the equation.

arrow-right — Coker had his best game of the season against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl, going 25-for-30 for 286 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. He finished with a 185.4 passer rating and 91.7 adjusted QBR. A similarly good performance will be needed Monday night as Clemson puts the focus on taking Derrick Henry out of the equation.

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Alabama Crimson Tide

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