Alabama has the No. 1 rushing defense by metrics standard (yards per rush allowed) and advanced (S&P+), but Clemson left guard Eric Mac Lain isn't convinced.

“They’re No. 1 in a lot of categories, but I don’t think they’ve really been tested running the ball,” said Mac Lain Tuesday.

If you look at the rushing attacks Alabama has faced, only LSU, Georgia (with a then-healthy Nick Chubb), and Tennessee stand out as especially formidable opponents. But the Crimson Tide can only suffocate the offenses on its schedule, and they managed to do that every single week.*

Mac Lain, a redshirt senior, allowed that "they’ve given up 70 yards a game, so they’ve been a pretty dominant force.”

Clemson's rushing attack, led by 1,000-yard rushers Wayne Gallman and Deshaun Watson, ranks 28th nationally in both yards per carry (not adjusted for sacks) and S&P+ rushing.

*Alabama gave up 5.08 yards per carry to Georgia, but 1) that game was out of hand early and 2) Nick Chubb is really dang good.