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Alabama Throws Deep, Too
Clemson is somewhat prone to the big play, having allowed 14 plays of 40 yards or more this season, ranking No. 58 in the nation, tied with Temple, Texas (yes, Texas) and UTSA. None of those 14 came through the air and three went for 50 or more yards.
Alabama will pound the football as much as they can, but Hurts has shown capable of connecting down the field and doing it in this game is the best way to loosen up a Tigers defense that will undoubtedly be focused on slowing down Hurts, Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris.
It's unlikely new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian dials up a lot of deep balls, but it's also unlikely he treats Hurts like the freshman he is and wastes one-on-one opportunity beyond the 20-yard barrier.
John Korduner/Icon Sportswire
