Downhill. Between the tackles. Ground and pound. This is a Ben Boulware kind of game.

Alabama’s identity suits him just fine.

“I’d much rather be in the box hitting guys, running down hill (more) than covering some slot receiver. I’ll enjoy this game a little more, getting to hit (Derrick) Henry and all their backs and face that o-line.

“I’m definitely more suited for this type of game than facing North Carolina.”

The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Heisman Trophy winning running back has rushed 359 times for 2,061 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Alabama’s other 10 ball carriers have combined for 800 yards and five touchdowns.

Henry is the Tide’s identity.

“He’s a big dude. He looks like Jayron (Kearse), plus 20 pounds playing running back. He is just a downhill runner,” Boulware said. “I’ve heard his football IQ is second to none. I think, all-around, he’s just great running back. He’s the
Heisman winner.”

This won’t be the first big, bruising running back Clemson’s faced in postseason play. UNC’s Elijah Hood is listed at 6-0, 220. Oklahoma running back Semaje Perine is 5-10, 230.

“I think they’re all physical guys, Perine and Hood, they’re not nearly as tall as (Henry). They’re a little lower to the ground,” Boulware said. “With him being 6-3, he runs a little higher, so that should help us out, with him not trying to run us over as much.

“It’s the same thing. We’ve got to gang tackle. We did a good job of that against Perine, so we’ll have that same mentality.”

Otherwise, it could be a long night in Arizona. The buck doesn’t stop with Henry. Alabama has five-star studs and future pros at every level. They’re all big. They’re all physical.

“Top to bottom, they’re all sound. The running back, the quarterback, the linemen, the skill guys on the outside are all, obviously, very good,” Boulware said. “This is definitely the best team we’ve faced all year. I think we have a good game plan in. If we execute that to our ability, I think we’ll be fine.”