TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The last two times Alabama and Clemson have met in the national championship game, the Tigers didn’t do the best job accounting for the Crimson Tide’s tight end.

In 2016 and 2017, O.J. Howard combined for 314 yards and three touchdowns on only nine receptions in the first and second meetings between the Crimson Tide and Tigers in national titles.

Irv Smith Jr. is hoping history repeats itself when they play a third time Monday, Jan. 7

“He balled,” Smith said of Howard. “He made a bunch of plays in those games. It’s motivating for me because I obviously want to come out and have a big game. It was awesome seeing him do that. … I was behind him so, obviously, I was cool with seeing that. I feel like it’s my turn now.”

No. 1 Alabama (14-0, 8-0 SEC) and No. 2 Clemson (14-0, 8-0 ACC) will compete in a fourth consecutive College Football Playoff game and third national championship in less than a week. The title game will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., in what will be a battle of the only two remaining undefeated FBS teams in the nation. Smith hopes to help the Crimson Tide secure its sixth national title in 10 years by accomplishing what Howard did in 2016-17.

But outside of joking with offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, Smith and company aren’t going to force it.

“Everybody has their own role and everybody does their job,” Smith said. “If that calls for me to make plays, which I’m always ready for, it is what it is. Everybody’s going to be ready. I’m excited for this opportunity.”

Earning second-team All-America accolades from the AFCA, Smith is fourth on the team with 40 receptions totaling 667 yards and his seven touchdowns while averaging 17.1 yards per reception. Twenty-seven of his catches have gone for a first down or a touchdown this fall.

Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr.

“I feel like coming in I knew it was possible with our quarterbacks and Coach Locksley calling the plays,” Smith said of his 2018 campaign. “They’ve done a great job just finding ways to get me the ball so I can make plays with it. He talked about he wanted all the playmakers to get the ball before the season. I knew I was one of those guys, so he made it possible for me.”

Smith has been a mismatch for opposing defenses this season.

“It’s tough,” linebacker Mack Wilson said of having to cover Smith. “Irv, he’s kind of like a receiver -- he’s big like a tight end but he has skills like a receiver. He’s fast. He runs precise routes. I feel like it gets hard sometimes. He’ll win and I’ll win, and vice versa.”

His last two games against Clemson remain the only two 100-yard games of Howard’s college career. This season, Smith has already produced one 100-yard outing at Arkansas and has more receiving yards through 13 games than Howard contributed in a single season in four. Smith also owns Alabama’s single-season touchdown receptions mark by a tight end with seven.

But jealous? With an opportunity to face Clemson ahead for Smith, Howard hasn’t expressed that.

“He just says keep making the most of the opportunities and keep balling,” Smith said.

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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