NEW ORLEANS -- Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Alabama's running back group is the best he has seen this season, calling the Tide's year-to-year talent at the position "sickening."
Venables and top-ranked Clemson face No. 4 Alabama on Monday in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Tide rank eighth nationally in rushing average and have four players, including three running backs, who have more than 300 rushing yards. Alabama has eclipsed 200 rushing yards in 10 of 12 games and eclipsed 300 rushing yards four times this season.
"It's sickening, it's not right, it's not fair," a smiling Venables said Thursday.
Told of Venables' comment, Alabama leading rusher Damien Harris said, "It's good to have the ability to go in and rotate so many guys and not have to worry about the level of play dropping off."
Venables said the physical challenges that Alabama backs like Harris and Bo Scarbrough present are unique and difficult. Scarbrough had 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Clemson in last year's national championship game before suffering a broken bone in his leg during the third quarter.
Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs have combined for 581 rushing yards despite limited opportunities.
"You're not going to get them down with arm tackles or being out of your gap, stepping the wrong way, putting your hands in the wrong spots," Venables said. "They'll expose you. With some teams, there's a margin for error. You can step wrong, you can okey-doke a block. These are the best of the best in college football, blocking you and carrying the football."
Clemson players like defensive end Clelin Ferrell echoed the praise for Alabama's running backs. The Tigers enter the semifinal ranked 12th nationally in rushing defense (112.8 yards per game). They've allowed only five rushing touchdowns, tied with Wisconsin for the fewest in the FBS.
Alabama is tied for ninth nationally in rushing touchdowns with 36, and Harris, Scarbrough and quarterback Jalen Hurts have combined for 27.
"This is the best group of backs we've played all year, probably the best group of backs that I've played since I've been in college," Ferrell said. "They've got four guys back there who could be starters anywhere in college football. ... This is the best, all-around, well-shaped group of backs we've played."