Clemson to have less practice time than Alabama for championship game

Due to an NCAA rule, the Clemson Tigers will have less time to practice than Alabama prior to the College Football Playoff championship game on Jan. 11, reports ESPN’s Brett McMurphy.

Alabama’s spring semester begins on Jan. 13, two days after the championship game. Clemson‘s spring semester begins this Wednesday. Therefore, the Tigers must practice in accordance with the NCAA’s 20-hour weekly rule, which limits the a team’s athletic activities during the spring.

According to the rule, Clemson will be restricted to a maximum of four hours of practice and team meeting time per day when the spring semester begins. On the other hand, Alabama can hold unlimited practices and team meetings in preparation for the title game.

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The same issue arose last season when Ohio State was allowed unlimited practice time, while Oregon was restricted by the NCAA rule. The Buckeyes went on to defeat the Ducks, 42–20.

- Xandria James