There are many elements in the atmosphere of a rematch like revenge, streaks and dynasties. These are just a few used to describe the 2017 National Championship rematch of last year’s title game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers. Alabama won a close one 45-40.

Both Alabama and Clemson started their 2016 seasons with confidence that they were going back to the playoffs and possibly meet again. The term déjà vu doesn’t ring because both the Tide and Tigers are completely different this year.

Alabama has a new offensive identity in their freshman quarterback, Jalen Hurts and their multi-level playbook. Hurts is dynamic, fast, elusive, calm and capable of leading an entire offense. Hurts has 25 passing and 12 rushing touchdowns. His 37 total accounts for 67 percent of the Tide’s total offensive touchdowns. There is a new defensive mindset because of new coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt. The Tide’s defense is on pace to pass their sacks last year (52), they’ve currently have 50.

Even with Tigers QB Deshaun Watson returning under center for Clemson, the offensive tone has changed due to the resurgence of Mike Williams, team’s leading receiver. Williams has 90 receptions for 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns. This season on defense, the Tigers have more talent with tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Ben Boulware selected as USA Today second team All-Americans.

Last year, Watson passed for 405 yards and four touchdowns against the No. 1 Tide defense. Watson was the best athlete on the field for either team but Clemson didn’t have enough players make as much impact as Watson. He and Williams will be a huge factor for the Tigers’ offense. Williams will need to burn Alabama’s secondary often, depending on the coverage player: Anthony Averett (a lockdown corner) or Marlon Humphrey (who thrives on zone coverage). Alabama’s true pass rush defensive ends Tim Williams and former Daphne Trojan, Ryan Anderson, will need to create a consistent pass rush.

On offense, Alabama’s play call will need to be efficient. Throughout the whole season, despite Alabama’s offense ranking 15th in the nation in points per game, there has been problems with consistency. On Jan. 2, Alabama announced that Lane Kiffin was out as offensive coordinator and Steve Sarkisian would take over the offensive play calling. The Crimson Tide will need to figure a specific game plan and stick to it instead of trying trick option plays.

ArDarius Stewart will need to be a deep threat receiver like TE O.J. Howard was last year. Bo Scarbrough might be needed heavily again as he can be the bulldozing back that Clemson’s defense is not equipped to tackle. Last year in the Championship game against Clemson, Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Scarbrough presents a big, tall physical frame as well as breakout speed.

Clemson’s Christian Wilkins and Carlos Watkins can be huge against Alabama. Watkins has a 44 total tackles, 11.5 for loss and 10.5 sacks this season. Wilkins has 48 total tackles, 13 for loss. The Clemson defensive line and the Alabama offensive line led by All-American Cam Robinson will be a battle.

NCAA Football Semifinals Scores

Alabama 24, Washington 7

Clemson 31, Ohio State 0