The Crimson Tide of Alabama won the college football national championship after defeating the Clemson Tigers in a 45-40 thriller.
Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson led an offense ravaged by injuries throughout the game with 481 total yards of offense and four touchdowns. At one point Clemson’s offense was down to it’s third receiver and backup running back, but Watson was firing on all cylinders. (VIDEO: The Video Clemson Players Watched Before The Championship Game Will Give Any Sports Fan Chills)
However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the mistakes made by his defense.
Star Clemson defensive back Mackensie Alexander went down in the first half with a hamstring injury, and massive mistakes by his replacement throughout the game allowed Jake Coker to throw for multiple big touchdowns, and unheralded Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard came up big with 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Heisman winner Derrick Henry rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns, including the final touchdown for the Crimson Tide.
The game was close throughout with Alabama grabbing momentum after head coach Nick Saban dialed up and recovered an onside kick. Clemson fought back and scored a late touchdown with an incredible pass from Watson to Artavis Scott, but a failure to recover the onside kick attempt sealed the national championship for Saban and his Crimson Tide players. (RELATED: NCAA Rules Mean Alabama Gets Unlimited Practice Time, Clemson To Be Limited)
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