Why Alabama can win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship

Alabama Crimson Tide are one of America’s most respected and prestigious college football teams. In each of the last few years, Alabama have featured regularly in the latter stages of the season and were crowned champions in 2016 after one of the most bizarre championship games of all-time.

Facing Clemson, who finished the regular season as the number one ranked side in college football, it was always going to be tough for Alabama but the Crimson Tide dug deep to secure a 45-40 comeback victory and send their supporters wild. Alabama are used to success and rolling teams over but this year, they had to work for their success.

On that occasion, Clemson quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson had a historic day. Alabama’s defence was the third best in the country but Watson took them apart for 405 passing yards and 73 rushing yards. Had it not been for a number of incredible individual plays on defence in the second half, Clemson may well have won.

In 2017, Alabama will be one of the leading candidates to retain their college football title despite losing a number of top stars to the NFL. At the time of writing, the Crimson Tide are priced at 6/1 in Betway’s college football betting markets whilst runners up Clemson are not far behind at 15/2. If nothing else, one thing’s for sure: both sides will be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season.

While Alabama have lost various players in this offseason, Derrick Henry may be missed most of all. The Heisman Trophy winner has declared for the NFL draft and while the Crimson Tide have competent replacements waiting in the wings, none are quite as powerful or effective as Henry. Henry holds the national high school record for most rushing yards - an impressive achievement and he will probably be a first round pick in the draft.

Moving forward, stick with Betway.com for more draft information, news and odds regarding both college football and the NFL. Alabama tend to receive plenty of coverage due to their high-profile and elite history and you can read up on their recent results and upcoming fixtures here. Who knows, you may even discover the next Derrick Henry before next year’s NFL Draft.

However, Alabama cannot focus on who they have lost – they must look forward and plan for what could be a very successful 2017. The Crimson Tide have won four of the last seven national championships and look well placed to compete for a fifth, especially if their excellent recruitment policy has struck lucky once again.