eh, i don't know about that, but there's a point where the wave crests for Bama. and Dabo is the Anti-SAban. he recruits VERY well. but not Saban good. he does get the most of out of his players and he made some key staff changes several years ago and they've all stuck. i would say Clemsons' overall culture and development may be better than Bama's RIGHT NOW. and that's what we saw play out in the title game, more so than Clemson just having a better "team" or more/equal talent. sure, the talent is there. but no one has come close to recruiting like Bama has.
Bama's problem is the revolving door of coaches they've had the last few years.
the bad news in that is, that "problem" netted a national title game loss. it's most definitely a first wold problem, and speaks to just how talented that team is.
i'd go ahead and mark it down now, i'd say the odds on favorites to meet again in the playoffs next year, one way or the other, would be Clemson and Bama. neither is going anywhere in the immediate future.