The Wildcat returns for his 20th season in The Post. Including the 1997-2015 seasons in the Bettor’s Guide. Cat’s record in print stands at 546-462 (54.1 percent) against the spread.
Clemson (+6 ¹/₂) over Alabama (National Championship Game, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla): Surely, there’s a bull case for Alabama. Their defense is demonstrably superior to last year’s. Nick Saban well knew he needed to engineer as much, and did so. But on offense, the Tigers are faster/quicker than they were last year — markedly more dangerous when deployed downfield to haul in those deep tosses launched by Deshaun Watson (an experienced quarterback boasting imposing weapons). They remain a fear-inducing entity. Clemson covered in classiꦏc backdoor style in last year’s set-to, but the Tigers led after three quarters on merit, and the Tide didn’t nail the box shut until the gun. The ACC went 8-3 in their bowl assignments this season. The sainted SEC? Went 6-6 with considerable abuse absorbed at the hands of ACC programs. The worm be turnin’, and decades of tiresome prattle finally may be put to r🍌est. You don’t get many revenge shots of this caliber. Clemson beats ’Bama, for the first time since their 25-0 romp in 1905 for one unit.
Season, through last week: 22-14-1.