It's all about the match ups.
Special teams - This is a push.
Offense - Clemson's O is better than Bama's D. I know that is heresy around these parts with all of the SEC slurpers, but it was true last year and that O is even better this year plus has a chip on its shoulder. OSU*'s D is no pushover and a lil more than a week ago, they had their collective faces pushed in by this O.
Defense - This is the biggest matchup difference of the evening. Clemson's D, when it plays like it did last game (and I believe will this game) is definitely superior to Bama's O. If Clemson takes the run away, this thing will be over by the end of the 3rd Q. No way Hurd beats this D on this stage by throwing the ball most downs. Very unlikely, but if this happens early, Clemson will blow them out. VERY unlikely....just like blanking OSU 9 days ago who has a better O.
Final analysis: Despite what Vegas thinks, the Bama players have it right - they really ARE the underdogs in this. If it's an "all things being equal" scenario where both teams play close to potential, Clemson solidly wins. If Bama's D does it again with pick 6's and scoop and scores, then they win, because their O isn't THAT bad. They get ahead on the scoreboard and get Scarborough going, they'll win and could win walking away IF Watson coughs up the ball often and early.
My prediction: Clemson 38 Bama 28. It'll be entertaining in the 1st half, Clemson dominates the 3rd Q, Bama hits some plays and comes back in the 4th Q, and then Clemson puts it away late in the 4th with one more score to cap it off.