Monday marks the first time there’s been a rematch for the college football national championship since the playoff system started. Alabama and Clemson clash in Tampa, Florida at 8 p.m. tonight.

Here’s what Beaufort County’s football coaches had to say about the matchup, and who they picked to win.

 

Washington head coach Jon Blank:

 

On what he’s been watching for during the playoffs:

“When I watch bowl games, obviously I like to see what offenses are doing at the next level, but to watch some of the defenses and some of the schemes they put out there — the different matchups they create, how they run their man, their zone and some of their blitz combos — I really enjoy it. This is probably the best game plan that college has put out there.”

 

On what stands out about Alabama’s defense:

“They’re freakishly good, athletically, on defense. They obviously recruited to build a defensive juggernaut. They’re so big and aggressive up front, that really, they can do a lot on the backend because their front is so good.”

 

What’s been shocking on the road to the championship game:

“I was very surprised (Clemson shutout Ohio State). I was thinking Ohio State would win. I really like what Urban Meyer does and his system. I’ve always kind of looked up to his offense. Clemson, obviously, had a good game plan.

“We’ve actually been to the coaches clinic with the staff at Clemson. (Defensive coordinator Brent) Venables does a great job. I just remember leaving that clinic thinking he’s one of the premier defensive coordinators that maybe a lot of people don’t know about yet. That was probably three or four years ago, and now they’re playing for titles.”

 

On keys to the game:

“If you start getting into a turnover battle with Alabama, you’re going to lose quick. So, limit turnovers. No. 2 is stay the course. They’ll have a game plan, but stay the course and believe in the game plan. That’s what got you there.

“But, at the same time, they’re probably going to have to come up with something new, something fresh, some trickery to maybe beat that Alabama defense. I do think Clemson’s defense can keep them in the game.”

PREDICTION: CLEMSON 17, ALABAMA 14

 

Northside coach Keith Boyd:

 

On the first thing that sticks out about the Crimson Tide:

“Their defensive front is strong. It’s really strong. Their whole defense is really good. I think they’ve got six or seven NFL players on it. The offense is really coming along, but the defense is where they’re stout.”

 

On how Clemson is the more balanced team:

“I actually think they’re more balanced in every phase of the game. It’s just going to be how Alabama’s offense stacks up against their defense. Clemson’s defense is pretty darn good, too, so I think that’s the matchup to watch.”

 

One thing Clemson has to do to win:

“They have to have some production on offense. Of course, they can’t turn it over and give Alabama a short field. … If they can make Alabama have to drive a long way and hold (Bo) Scarbrough and them, I think they’ll be fine.”

 

How he sees the game playing out:

“I don’t want to bet on it, but Clemson is going to be an underdog. It’s going to be a battle. I think it’s going to be fairly low scoring and it’s going to be the team that doesn’t turn it over and give the other team a big break, that’s what it’s going to come down to.

“I think they’re pretty evenly matched. Overall, I think Alabama’s defense is the best unit of all. … If Clemson can move the ball a little bit, I think it’s going to be a heck of a ball game.”

PREDICTION: CLEMSON 17, ALABAMA 14

 

Southside coach Jeff Carrow:

 

On what he likes about Alabama:

“Alabama’s defense is just incredible. I’ve watched them play a couple of times this year. They make big plays on defense. They’re solid special-teams wise, and offensively, I don’t think it’s the best offensive team they’ve had. I think their quarterback (Jalen Hurts) is a good athlete.”

 

What he likes about Tigers coach Dabo Swinney:

“I’m a big Dabo Swinney fan. I like his philosophy of coaching and the energy he brings. They’ve got a veteran quarterback and an explosive offense. That can’t be seen every year to have every guy step up. There aren’t any true, true superstars on the team. It’s a lot of guys stepping up.”

 

On Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware:

“He brings a lot of energy to the defense. He’s a real vocal guy out there. You can tell he’s had to work for everything he’s got. He’s not just pure talent. I think he’s a great captain for the defense.”

 

On how important the ground game will be:

“I’ll be pulling for Clemson, but I think Alabama is going to wind up pulling it out. … (Clemson) has to find a running game. If they can limit Alabama’s running game, I think they’ve got a good shot. That’s tough.

“They’ve got to have a bit of a running game. I think Alabama has beat, basically, everyone this year by stopping the run. … If Clemson is able to run the ball and they’re able to stop Clemson’s run game, they’ve got a shot at winning.”

PREDICTION: ALABAMA 31, CLEMSON 24