TAMPA, Fla. — Clemson plays Alabama tonight (8 p.m.) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida in the College Football National Championship Game.

So who has the edge in tonight’s championship game?

Clemson’s offensive line vs. Alabama’s defensive line: Clemson will have a true freshman starting at right tackle in Sean Pollard. It will not be an easy task for Pollard going up against outside backer Tim Williams and defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson. Led by national defensive player of the year Jonathan Allen, the Crimson Tide ranks second in the country in sacks with 50, while they are giving up just 62 yards a game on the ground. Clemson has allowed just 17 sacks this season, while the ground game is averaging a respectable 175.1 yards per game. For Clemson to have a shot at winning this game, it has to stick with the ground game. If the Tigers can get 100 or more yards rushing, then the Tigers will have a good shot. Advantage: Alabama

Clemson’s defensive line vs. Alabama’s offensive line: They may not get the same acclaim as ‘Bama’s defensive front, but the Tigers’ defensive line is one of the best in the country. Just ask Ohio State. Clemson’s front four of Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins, Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell ranks second in the country in tackles for loss and second in sacks. Last week, the Tigers held Ohio State to 88 rushing yards, had 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. Alabama has given up 24 sacks this year, while quarterback Jalen Hurts has 202 yards in loss yardage. Center Bradley Bozeman will have the task of trying to block Watkins and Lawrence. Advantage: Clemson

Deshaun Watson vs. Alabama’s defense: Watson’s probably as good as any with his pre-snap reads. In each of his last two games he has been prepared for what Bud Foster was going to throw at him and what Urban Meyer and Ohio State’s secondary was doing. He threw for more yards against Ohio State than any quarterback all season. As good as Bama’s defense is its secondary is the most vulnerable. They gave up 421 yards passing to Chad Kelly and Ole Miss and 400 yards to Arkansas, the two best passing teams they have played this year. Clemson did not have Mike Williams or Deon Cain in this game last year, and Watson still threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns. The Tide has 16 interceptions in 14 games and has returned nine of them for touchdowns, which leads the country. Advantage: Clemson

The Bottom line: If Clemson is able to be patient on offense and takes what Alabama gives them early on, and more importantly takes care of the football, it can wear an Alabama defense that does not have much depth as it did a year ago. By not turning the ball over, Clemson can use tempo to wear down the defense, especially if the defense is able to dominate Alabama’s offense like I think they should and force a bunch of three-and-outs. Don’t look for a high scoring game tonight, but Clemson has the better offense in what should be a defensive struggle for the most part.

Prediction: Clemson 24, Alabama 17