(01-14-2016 01:24 PM)bronconick Wrote:  The onside kick worked because Clemson only had 4 on the front line. Most teams have 5. Wouldn't surprise me if that was seen watching film.

I thought the same thing until I looked at other college teams - seems like Clemson's formation is not that uncommon, but the alignment was off (if you're going to use that formation the outside guys need to be closer to the sidelines)



excellent breakdown on SBnation [click here].

Here's Alabama using the same formation earlier in the game, but notice they are aligned wider (and the 2nd row is closer, too).



It's all about attention to detail when you're playing at this level, because EVERYONE is very good, and the smallest advantage can make all the difference (much like in the Superbowl, only even more so).