Jan 11, 2016 07:00 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Despite being undefeated and the number one team in the nation, the Clemson Tigers find themselves in an unfamiliar role, as underdogs against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Vegas favors Alabama by seven points and both bettors putting money on the game and various college football experts agree, predicting Nick Saban will guide the Tide to its fourth national title in seven seasons. But Clemson has one major trump card over the stout Alabama defense: quarterback DeShaun Watson.

The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, presented by AT&T

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Television: ESPN will air the game with the official pregame coverage starting at 8.

Watch live online: WatchESPN will air the game's "Spidercam" feed, as well as various other feeds and radio coverage from both sides.

Listen live online: TuneIn Radio

The Alabama defense flexed its muscles against Michigan State, shutting out the Spartans 38-0, but Watson and the Clemson offense pose a different challenge. One of the game's most important matchups will be how Watson fares against Alabama's fearsome front seven.

The Tide's pass rush was lethal this season, but Watson has the speed to avoid the rush and extend plays. He also has good enough arm strength to challenge Alabama's pass defense down the field.

Clemson also has a tough defensive front and they will try to throw Alabama's offense off its rhythm and get them into some three-and-outs early. Clemson will likely try to play up-tempo on offense, so more possessions could lead to more points and wear down the Tide's defense.

Stopping Alabama's offense is likely easier said than done and quarterback Jake Coker deserves a lot of credit. The offense centers on running back Derrick Henry, who wears defenses down with his size, athleticism, and ability to take 40 carries in a game.

Coker has excelled as a game manager who completes a high percentage of short and medium passes while limiting interceptions, but wide receiver Calvin Ridley forces opposing defenses to account for the occasional home run throw.

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