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Watkins, Tigers get 2nd chance; NFL WIldcard matchup

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College Football National Title

Clemson (13-1) at Alabama (14-0) (Monday Jan 9 at 8pm)

Former Chase Trojan, Carlos Watkins will get a second chance to play for a National Title at Clemson after the Tigers mauled Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl 31-0. Watkins had two sacks, two pass breakups and three tackles in the win. Watkins now has 10.5 sacks this season which leads the team.

As for the championship game, Clemson has the offensive advantage as far as experience and maybe even overall playmakers, but not by much in the second category. It is defense that really standout for Alabama though. Only twice has a team hung more than 30 points on the Crimson Tide. Clemson may have one edge in the fact that they have had to hang on to win six times this season.

I believe Clemson can handle Alabama's run game for the most part, but how they defend receiver, O.J. Howard, who was unstoppable a year ago, remains a question. Clemson can definitely win. Even being a Clemson follower all my life, I still have Alabama finding a way to win. Alabama 35, Clemson 28.

NFL Wildcard Playoffs

In the AFC, New England and Kansas City have the first round byes.

6)Miami at 3)Pittsburgh

Miami has the Wake and Suh on their defensive line and hold maybe a slight advantage on that side of the ball. The Steelers defense has got better over the last few weeks and have won seven straight games. Backup QB, Matt Moore has been playing well for Miami, but Pitt has the advantage with Big Ben. I take Antonio Brown and Le'veon Bell any day over Jay Ajayi and Jarvis Landry despite losing on the road to Miami earlier this season.

I have to go with the hotter team and the one that I believe is the single-most dangerous of any wildcard team this year. Pittsburgh 34, Miami 20

5)Oakland at 4)Houston

Houston has the better defensive unit with Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Joesph, Brian Cushing and Clowney. The Raiders may have the better defensive player on the field overall in Kahlil Mack. DeAndre Hopkins is the playmaker for Houston, Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray do the damage for the Raiders. This one comes down to who I trust more. More than likely, these two play for the right to go to Foxboro and play in frigid New England. Three weeks ago, the Raiders looked pretty good. With QB Derek Carr done for the year after injury, their season looks gloomy. Both now have quarterback issues, so it maybe up to the defenses in this one. Houston has an extra reason to want to win since they host the Super Bowl this season. Doesn't matter. Oakland 20, Houston 17

In the NFC, Dallas and Atlanta have the first round byes.

6)Detroit at 3)Seattle

Seattle is 7-1 at home this season, but Arizona proved that the Seahawks can be beat at home in the last regular season game at Century Link Field. Detroit is 3-5 on the road this season and Seattle's environment is as hostile as it gets. Seattle is also better defensively. Offense is about even, but did I mention that Seattle is at home. Seattle 30, Detroit 21.

5) New York at 4) Green Bay

This is the game of all games this coming weekend as both teams are very much a threat to Dallas. The Giants have already beaten Cowboys twice and the Packers have taken down the Giants once this season. Quarterback edge to Green Bay, Giants have the defensive edge. The Giants might be the better team, but the Packers have won six at home and six games in row. Green Bay 26 New York 20.

Finally, Smitty has called his NFL career over. Former Carolina Panther, Steve Smith retired with the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday. He had 799 yards in 70 catches this season. Smith already owns Panther records in receptions(836), yards (12,197) and Receiving touchdowns (67) and played 13 of his 16 NFL years in Carolina. Hopefully, the day to retire Smitty's jersey comes soon, but the Panthers have to make things right first.

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