Clemson Held Its Own Against Bama (In the First Half, Anyway)

For 30 minutes, Clemson was doing exactly what it needed to against Alabama: keeping quarterback Jake Coker uncomfortable.

Alabama came into the game allowing just 1.5 sacks per game, but Clemson already has four sacks — two from injured star Shaq Lawson — after a rough first drive.

The result? In the first half, Coker was flustered and didn't have time to throw the ball downfield. The Crimson Tide like to reel teams in with their strong running game, and they've done that so far, as Derrick Henry has 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns. But they were unable to capitalize until the first drive of the second half.

With more time to throw the ball, Coker got comfortable, and he took advantage of blown coverage to toss a beautiful 53-yard touchdown pass to O.J. Howard, putting Alabama up 21-14.

Even Lane Kiffin knew it was coming:

Alabama loves to test opposing secondaries downfield once they sell out to stop the run, but despite the run-stopping woes, Clemson didn't allow the Crimson Tide that opportunity. Star wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who is usually good for a deep shot a game, only has six catches for 14 yards and a long of nine yards.

But with Henry dominating, the safeties came up and bit on the run, leaving Howard wide open.

Clemson can deal with Henry's domination. The Tigers can keep up if that happens. Yet they can't win if Coker gets settled like he did in wins against Florida and Michigan State in the two games prior to this one, when he completed 77 percent of his passes for 8.8 yards per attempt.

There can't be any more breakdowns if Clemson is to win this game.

[ESPN]