One thing we also brought up on the GFP was the kind of silly example of Clifton this year, but the very real factor of leadership. In this game-winning TD run this weekend Clifton lost his helmet and threw the ball into the stands as part of his celebration. It got him his 2nd unsportsmanlike and ejected from the game. Yes, super dumb move - they're lucky they didn't need him any more in the game.
However, it does speak to outward leadership on the field. We saw that from Cliff last year - best example I can think of is his rushing TD against the cats and rolling his shoulders at the cat DBs that almost sparked a brawl. His TD celebrations with Forbes. His cool and cocky attitude. That stuff matters and it *feels* to me that more than just seeing who is the better QB this year, the coaches want to see who is the better leader.