Scouts Inc.: Five keys to the CFP title game

The stakes don't get any higher than Monday night, when undefeated Clemson faces off with traditional power Alabama. The Tigers are in position for their first national title since 1981; meanwhile, the Tide aim for a historic fourth championship in seven years.

So what does the tape show? We dove deep into film of both teams and found five keys that will decide who heads home with another title trophy. And the top factor involves a guy who will not be in uniform on Monday night.

Alabama's X factor: offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin

Clemson's defense will have to be ready for Kiffin's creativity. As if slowing down Derrick Henry isn't a tall enough task, the Tigers will need to be equally prepared for Kiffin's scheming. He has been masterful at constantly changing up personnel packages, formations, utilizing pre-snap motions and various play designs to keep defenses on their toes.

Kiffin has specifically done a nice job with the Alabama screen game. Early in games, Kiffin has gotten QB Jake Coker engaged quickly with easy completions while also creating touches for his playmakers such as receivers Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart on the perimeter, as well as RB Kenyan Drake out of the backfield.

Ridley is a budding superstar whom Kiffin has moved all over the field in an attempt to get more favorable one-on-one matchups, which has created some big plays down the field. It will be interesting to monitor how Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables schemes against Ridley. He may try to shadow Ridley with CB Mackensie Alexander, who is the Tigers' best man-coverage defender (more on this individual showdown later). From a personnel standpoint, this is arguably the best secondary that Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has had in his tenure, and the Tigers' DBs stack up well on the perimeter. However, coverage breakdowns have been an issue for this group, and it will be vital that they communicate well against Kiffin's scheme, which has a lot of moving parts.

Can Clemson spread out the Alabama defense?

A review of the Tennessee tape reveals a few ways Clemson may try to attack the Tide's defense. The Vols' offense has similarities to Clemson's in terms of scheme and personnel (including a mobile QB), and were one of just two teams to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark against the Tide this season.

Similar to Tennessee, expect to see Clemson spread the Tide horizontally with multiple receiver sets, utilizing tempo and continuing to give a heavy work load to QB Deshaun Watson. In particular, watch for the zone-read game with Watson and RB Wayne Gallman. This provides Watson with three options -- hand the ball to Gallman, keep it or dump the ball off in the flat as a third option -- while also testing the Tide's discipline.

Recent history has shown us that a mobile QB like Watson who can beat teams with his arm and his legs has given Alabama the most problems defensively. Ultimately though, in order for the Tigers to find offensive success on Monday, they will have to stay ahead of the chains on early downs and utilize tempo to neutralize the Tide's big advantage in the trenches.

Will Watson's weapons step up?

It can't just be the Watson and Gallman show on the ground.

Alabama's top-ranked run defense is too deep and talented, so the Tigers' receiving corps has to play a bigger role. It's not like Alabama has been soft against the pass, either. In fact, the Tide lead the nation in sacks.

However, the Tigers are capable of attacking weaknesses in coverage. Receivers Artavis Scott, Charone Peake and Hunter Renfrow plus tight end Jordan Leggett are all capable of locating seams over the middle where Alabama has looked vulnerable at times. The Tide have also given up some big plays. So look for Clemson to test freshman corner Marlon Humphrey when they take a shot downfield. Both Scott and Peake have the speed to get behind the coverage if Humphrey makes a mistake.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Leggett has to step up in the red zone against an Alabama defense that has allowed just six rushing touchdowns all year. Look for the Tigers to flex him out in an effort to isolate him against a defensive back. He has the size and athletic ability to make the most of those opportunities, but he must do a better job of boxing out and attacking the ball.

Three crucial head-to-head matchups when Alabama has the ball

Ridley vs. Alexander: Alexander is quick enough to shadow Ridley underneath and fast enough to run with him downfield. Yet we expect Ridley to get the better of this matchup. Alexander's footwork is inconsistent, while Ridley is a smooth route-runner who exploits any lapses in technique. In addition, Coker shouldn't be afraid to test Alexander, especially considering Ridley's ability to come down with 50-50 balls and the fact that Alexander has zero interceptions this year.

Alabama LOT Cam Robinson vs. Clemson DE Shaq Lawson: Lawson missed most of the semifinal game with a knee injury, and a lot will depend on whether he's 100 percent or close to 100 percent. But he is expected to play and he's a difference-maker. The 326-pound Robinson should have some success walling off as a run-blocker and anchoring in pass protection. However, he can't afford to lean or get caught flat-footed like he has at times this year. Lawson has the active hands to take advantage both as a run-stopper and pass-rusher.

Henry vs. Clemson ILB B.J. Goodson: While Henry does a nice job of following his blocks, the 250-pound Goodson has the size and strength to stack offensive linemen up in the hole and shed in time to make plays. Henry runs hard but upright, and Goodson is a stout tackler who's capable of limiting Henry's production after contact.

Who wins the punt game?

Alabama's Cyrus Jones has returned four punts for touchdowns this year, so Clemson's punt-cover unit can't afford any mistakes. That said, Jones should have a hard time breaking out. Safety T.J. Green does an excellent job of getting downfield, and Tigers' special-teams coach Danny Pearman can make it tougher for Alabama to get a body on him by putting him in motion. The Tigers' recent willingness to fake punts should make the Tide hesitant to turn and run downfield to set up blocks before the ball is kicked. Punter Andy Teasdall can mix in the occasional rugby-style kick, and he has done a nice job of not outkicking his coverage.

Clemson's Scott hasn't been nearly as effective as Jones returning punts, but Scott faces an Alabama punt-cover unit that's surrendering 10.3 yards per return and has given up two returns for touchdowns this year. In addition to Tide punter JK Scott outkicking the coverage, Alabama players were caught out of position on both returns for touchdowns.

Don't be surprised if, in a tight game, a punt return makes a huge difference in who wins or loses.