re: Is Clemson really any better then Miss State?

Clemson will spread them out and try to beat them the same way Ohio state did, but you have a couple problems here:

1. Bama D line is better than last year. They lightened up across the front to about 310-315 per man and they are lightning fast at that size now. This D line is one of he best I've ever seen having this many guys rotating in at that size with strength and speed.
2. They lightened up the back end and they are better in coverage. Also, the D line will not give Watson much time. The bama front on D is so good that they will it rush 4-5 and shutdown the run game, so they'll be able to spy Watson and still cover everyone easily.

The only chance Clemson has is opportunistic turnovers and Watson carrying the load which he cannot do on his own against this caliber of competition. It's hard to step up to that level when you've never seen it.