When Alabama has the ball

New Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain takes the wraps off his offense tonight, and what emerges will be interesting. It is believed to be a pro-style offense which uses lots of dink and dunk passes and emphasizes the tight end — much like Clemson OC Rob Spence, so the Tigers’ defense should have plenty of experience with it. Tide senior QB John Parker Wilson operates behind a solid line featuring All-America candidate Andre Smith, and tailbacks Glen Coffee, Terry Grant and Mark Ingram are all capable. Mike McCoy is the Tide’s most experienced receiver, but true freshman Julio Jones has major big-play capability and has drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson. Clemson features a stingy, veteran defense, but three new starting linebackers pose a major question mark.

Advantage: Clemson

When Clemson has the ball

The Tigers feature one of the nation’s top collections of skill players in quarterback Cullen Harper, tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller and wideouts Aaron Kelly, Jacoby Ford and Tyler Grisham. How an Alabama defense which is thin at linebacker beyond freshman All-America Rolando McClain and All-SEC safety Rashad Johnson and lacking pass rush attacks it will be fascinating to watch. Nick Saban loves a defense that blitzes and stunts, and that could play havoc with a Clemson offensive line featuring four new starters and playing its first game together as a unit. How well they open holes for the stars and how much time they give Harper to throw will likely turn the game’s momentum toward one sideline or the other.

Advantage: Clemson

Special teams

Clemson’s Mark Buchholz made 22 of 36 field goals last season, but his accuracy beyond 40 yards was spotty. Punter Jimmy Maners ranked in the nation’s top 20 in punt average, but he isn’t even a lock to start tonight — freshman Dawson Zimmerman could get the nod. Spiller and Ford are among the nation’s most dangerous kick returners, but Alabama’s Javier Arenas is a threat to take any kick the distance as well. Alabama punter P.J. Fitzgerald is a returning two-year starter, and kicker Leigh Tiffin averaged 1.92 field goals per game last year (tied for 7th nationally) and led the SEC with 10 40-plus yard boots.

Advantage: Alabama

The bottom line

This is Clemson’s most anticipated opener in some time, thanks to the ACC title hype surrounding the No. 9 Tigers. A loss tonight won’t break the season, but it will bring out those who believe Clemson is a paper tiger — not a legit national power in waiting. No. 24 Alabama knows plenty about national power status, but the Crimson Tide is still trying to regain that glory under Saban, who finished 7-6 in his first season in Tuscaloosa, including an ugly home loss to Louisiana-Monroe. This game will likely turn on how well Clemson’s offensive line protects Harper and opens holes for its playmakers. If the Tigers can move the ball, tonight should be a success.

Prediction: Clemson 24, Alabama 13