Swinney compares title rematch to Ali-Frazier

Saturday was media day in the lead up to the National Championship game on Monday, and for Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, it felt more like walking into a boxing arena on fight night.

Once settled into his chair in front of a multitude of reporters and cameras, Swinney was his usual self, giving great soundbites with almost every breath.

"These are the two best teams, and to be honest with you, I don't think there's another team out there that's capable of beating Alabama," Swinney opined. "I think we're probably the only team that has a chance."

Last year, Clemson took Alabama to the brink in the National Championship, losing 45-40 in a 15-round bout.

In a rematch set for Monday, Swinney could not help himself in comparing the game to another historical battle.

"We've got to go toe to toe. Whoever is Ali, whoever is Frazier, it's two great guys battling it out," Swinney said referencing the legendary matches between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. "That's the way it is, and I love that. It's never been easy. My entire life, nothing has been easy, and this is the way it ought to be. If we're going to get it done, then we ought to have to play and beat a team like Alabama."

For Swinney and Clemson, he has to be hoping his Tigers are Ali, while the Crimson Tide are Frazier, as the latter won the first bought, with Ali winning the next two.