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Here are three key matchups for Clemson entering tonight's game against Alabama in Atlanta: (8 p.m., WCIV):

Here are three key matchups for Clemson entering tonight's game against Alabama in Atlanta: (8 p.m., WCIV):

1 Clemson vs. great expectations

It's no secret that the Tigers haven't reacted well to loads of hype — Boston College in 2007, anyone? — and the program hasn't seen this kind of hype since Ken Hatfield was on the sidelines. Or maybe even Danny Ford.

Tenth-year coach Tommy Bowden wants to see how his team responds to its lofty preseason status, and so does everyone else.

Nowhere to hide tonight.

2 Rob Spence vs. Nick Saban

Spence, Clemson's fourth-year offensive coordinator, will be presented with a stern challenge going up against the head coach who runs the Crimson Tide's defensive show.

The biggest issue, of course, is the Tigers' offensive line. The five starters might have to carry almost the entire load, and that's a tough mental task against all the stuff that Saban's gonna throw at them tonight.

But Spence has been known to be pretty good with time to prepare, and his fleet of dynamic skill players is fully capable of making Saban pay for blitzing.

3 Clemson's defensive line vs. Alabama's offensive line

Inexperience at linebacker is a big concern for Clemson, but the front four could minimize that apparent weakness by controlling the line of scrimmage.

The Tigers are skilled from a pass-rushing standpoint and could do well in this respect, though it's probably more important to be solid against the run and establish penetration so the guys behind them can make plays.

The Crimson Tide returns four of five starters up front, and left tackle Andre Smith is a load. He'll make things difficult regardless of whom he's lined up against.

Outlook

Some Clemson fans are thinking their team runs away with this one, but that's hard to envision. None of Alabama's six losses last year was decided by more than a touchdown, and you just know Saban has been pointing to this game as a chance for him to apply his stamp on the program.

Things could get dicey for Clemson if the offensive line struggles early, but the line doesn't need a great performance with all the talent elsewhere. And this game is in a dome, so the linemen don't have to worry about heat or humidity sapping their stamina.

Alabama is bereft of experience at linebacker, and that plays right into Spence's hands with all his play-action, screens and misdirection.

Clemson will win this game because it'll move the ball better than Alabama and break some big plays against man coverage.

Prediction

Clemson 27, Alabama 20

Larry Williams