Clemson players complain about Alabama 'brand,' say Tide shouldn't be favorite
By John Talty | jtalty@al.com
Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins talks about the Alabama brand. Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins talks about the difference in national perception between Alabama and Clemson.
Clemson players are tired of Alabama living off its reputation.
That was the message delivered Saturday as multiple players had a common conclusion for why Alabama is a seven-point favorite in Monday's national championship game.
Mackensie Alexander, Clemson's top cornerback, believes Alabama's favored status is based more on what the Crimson Tide has historically done than what it'll do against the Tigers in Arizona. The outspoken star told a group of reporters, "You guys know we've got a better team."
"We are 14-0, and we were underdogs last week, it's all a brand thing," Alexander said. "Everyone cares about the brand, the Alabama brand. I understand it's a lot of fans, and they've done it for a long time, but this is a new year, and it's our time."
Clemson is the top seed in the four-team College Football Playoff but enters its second consecutive game as the underdog according to Las Vegas odds. Alexander said Clemson wasn't "worried about the brand thing as much as everybody else," but it's been a popular talking point for players in the lead up to the title game. Clemson players enjoy playing with a chip on their shoulders, and they've found the perfect motivational source in Alabama. The Crimson Tide has been billed as college football's evil empire this week, no different than the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Lakers.
"We understand who we are playing and what we're playing against," Alexander said.
Clemson players believe they've already knocked off two marquee brands this season -- Notre Dame and Oklahoma -- so why would Alabama be any different? Whether it comes from head coach Dabo Swinney or simply the players, Clemson seems to relish the idea of a lesser known football brand knocking off college football's blue bloods, one-by-one.
"They said Oklahoma was the best team, and we just went out there and proved them wrong," Clemson safety Jayron Kearse said. "So that's the same thing we have to do with Alabama. They say Alabama's a seven-point favorite; we have to go out there and prove them wrong."
Clemson will get that chance Monday night. The Tigers can show on the field whether that big chip on their shoulder about Alabama was warranted. If they can't, the Alabama "brand" -- as well as its trophy case -- will only get bigger.
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