I think the OL was part of the problem however the bigger problem was not making the defense honor the passing game. I think I mentioned this in the game notes, but at one time Clemson had all 11 defensive players within 10 yards of the LOS. If Bama had gotten 3 or 4 more first downs and used the time on the clock, Clemson would not have had time to make that final drive.
You know hscoach you said something that is the turning point in my opinion in every football game. It is the TIME/Clock. If you can control the time you usually win games. RTR!