Alabama is back on top of the college football world.
In an instant classic, the Crimson Tide handed Clemson their first loss of the season by way of a 45-40 decision in the National Championship game giving Alabama their fourth title under head coach Nick Saban. In turn the Tigers had a 51-game winning streak snapped when leading after the third quarter.
The Crimson Tide though were either incredible in just about every facet of the game or simply one step ahead of the previously undefeated Clemson.
Mission complete #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/o6DqHnBWN1
— Carl Prather (@CarlPratherWAFF) January 12, 2016
Bama quarterback Jake Coker who seemed to be shaky in the pocket during the first half came around in the second finishing 16 of 25 for 335 yards and two touchdowns. This included exposing Clemson’s normally solid defensive backfield for some big plays especially to O.J. Howard who had over 200 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
#NationalChampionship Offensive Player of the Game – 88 O.J. Howard, TE; Defensive Player of the Game – 4 Eddie Jackson, DB.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) January 12, 2016
As far as Clemson goes, Deshaun Watson looked like a man on a mission.
The Tiger quarterback was 30 of 47 on the night for 405 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Watson essentially kept a dominant Alabama defensive on their toes all night as the slick quarterback was able to maneuver his way out of a collapsing pocket and on many occasion avoid the sack.
However Alabama always seemed on step ahead whether it be Lane Kiffen opening up the playbook and going downfield with Coker, Saban opening up the back of tricks with the onside kick in the second half or Kenyan Drake returning a kick off the distance in the fourth quarter.
Either way the Crimson Tide had enough answers for Deshaun Watson while Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers simply couldn’t keep up with everything Alabama had to offer.
A 'crimson' Gatorade bath for #NickSaban, who wins his 5th career #NationalChampionship https://t.co/T3kaKcJ1vA pic.twitter.com/52L7RcAvxP
— Getty Images Sport (@GettySport) January 12, 2016
