#2 Clemson Tigers vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Ever since Alabama's narrow defeat of Clemson in last year's National Championship Game, many football fans were longing for the opportunity to see a rematch. After a season filled with many ups and downs in the championship hunt, that was exactly what we got.
Fans of the Tigers and the Tide were amped up down in Tampa, Florida and the events of the game would only get them into more of a frenzy.
The first half proved to be only the lead up to the thrilling events of the 2nd half. Alabama put together two scoring drives that ended in 2 rushing touchdowns by star running back Bo Scarbrough. Sound familiar? Quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the entire Clemson offense for that matter, was rattled by a tenacious Alabama pass rush and coverage. The Tigers finally broke through in a 2nd quarter drive that lasted 7 plays. On the 2nd play of the drive, Watson threw a screen pass to wide receiver Deon Cain who weaved through defenders for a 43 yard gain. A completion from Watson to tight end Jordan Leggett, followed by another to senior phenom Mike Williams, gave the Tigers the ball inside the 10 yard line. A nifty run by Watson around the left side of the defense, in which he tip toed along the sideline, gave Clemson a desperarately needed touchdown. That was all the scoring in the first half and the Tigers would get the ball after the break.
However, the Tigers would blow that opportunity by fumbling on the 4th play of that drive.
Alabama defensive end Ryan Anderson scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the Clemson 16 yard line. In response, the Clemson defense refused to let Alabama take control of the game. Linebacker Ben Boulware and his teammates didn't allow the Tide to gain a single first down. Senior kicker Adam Griffith converted the ensuing field goal, but the Tigers had staved off a disastrous turn of events. Clemson's next drive was unsuccessful but a great punt by Andy Teasdall pinned Alabama deep in their own territory. The Tide proceeded to go three-and-out and the ensuing punt by the usually reliable J.K Scott was downright bad.
Starting at Alabama's 42 yard line, Watson, running back Wayne Gallman, and a plethora of great receivers, had fantastic field position to work with. A 14 yard completion from Watson to Cain started things off on the right foot. Two plays later, Watson fired a short pass to top receiver Hunter Renfro, who dodged a total of 3 defenders and raced into the endzone. Now trailing by a slim margin of 14-17, the Clemson sideline was alive with energy.
After the team traded punts, the Alabama offense found the big play that they had been searching for the entire 3rd quarter. After Bo Scarbrough gained a first down with his brand of powerful running, newly minted Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian called for a cleverly designed pass to the tight end. Alabama's freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts threw the ball to his wide open tight end O.J. Howard who sprinted for a 68 yard TD.
Refusing to be disheartened by this, the Clemson offense responded in kind. Within the next 7 plays, Watson continued to sling the ball around in completions to receivers Deon Cain, Artavis Scott, and Jordan Leggett. Three plays later, it was 2nd and Goal at the 4 yard line. Watson threw a perfect lob to Mike Williams for the touchdown. The Tigers were back within three again!
Alabama couldn't muster another scoring drive on any of their next three possessions. The root cause of this was the fact that Bo Scarbrough suffered a leg injury that kept him sidelined the rest of the game. Additionally, a relentless Clemson pass rush kept Hurts from picking up the slack. Two Clemson drives sandwiched in between resulted in no points, however, and the Tigers were quickly running out of chances to take the lead. Then, with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, the Tigers pounced. Starting at their own 12 yard line, the Tigers leaped out to the 43 yard line on a pair of rushes by Gallman and Watson and a 17 yard completion to Leggett.
On the next play, Watson threw a pass to Williams, who leaped up into the air while running backwards to come up with a sensational catch.
An additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called on Alabama after the play moved the ball into the redzone. Two plays later, Gallman punched the ball in from a yard out to give Clemson their first lead of the game.
Going along with their recent decline in effectiveness, the Tide were forced into a 3rd and 17 on the next drive after an exceptional tackle by Ben Boulware. However, quarterback Jalen Hurts was fixing to throw a wrench into the works. He lobbed a 16 yard pass to wide receiver Ardarius Stewart to set up a manageable 4th and 1. A short gain by backup running back Damien Harris converted the ensuing attempt and Alabama was back in business. On the next play, Hurts threw a backwards pass to Stewart who kept the ball moving by throwing down field to the tight end Howard. Gashed by a big play, the Clemson defense was off balance. Hurts took advantage of this by using his speed to slice through the defense on an improvised run. Three Clemson defenders whiffed on potential tackles and Hurts was soon sauntering into the endzone at the end of a 30 yard run.
Trailing once again by three with 2 minutes left, Clemson knew what they had to do to bring home the trophy. Kids playing football in the backyard imagine being the quarterback with the opportunity to lead their team to a victory in the final two minutes of the game. Facing just such a scenario, Watson knew the outcome of the game rested on his shoulders. But all that pressure seemingly didn't phase him at all. He encouraged the players in the huddle to finish what they started. Emboldened by his words, the wide receivers and the offensive line played the best they had all game.
Watson completed three passes in a row to start the drive, pushing the ball down to the Alabama 33 yard line.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention one of the those was another fantastic leaping grab by Mike Williams. After a third down completion to Renfro, the Tigers were in field goal range. Two plays later, with only 28 seconds remaining, Watson fired a pass where only tight end Jordan Leggett could catch it. Leggett stretched his hands out to his right as far as he could and snagged a pivotal catch. It was now 1st and Goal at the 9 yard line and the Tigers were eyeing the win.
A pass interference call on Alabama on 2nd and Goal put the ball at the 2 yard line with six seconds to go. One more chance to win it all before the tight confines of overtime. Renfro was lined up to the right and Watson was throwing his direction all the way. Renfro took advantage of a crossing route to get wide open in the front corner of the endzone. Renfro caught it with 1 second left and the Tigers mobbed him in celebration.
Some Clemson fans cheered and pumped their fists, while others with overcome with shock that the Tigers actually were about to dethrone Alabama,
Although the final second on the clock took a long time to expire, due to penalties and an unnecessary review, the Tigers knew that an incredible victory had been achieved. Coach Swinney provided his patented brand of emotional post game speech soon after, explaining that the love his players had for each other as teammates was the real cause of the victory. Deshaun Watson was at a loss for words during his interview, but remembered to give thanks to God. Even Ben Boulware had something to say right after Coach Swinney lifted the golden National Championship Trophy. He mentioned all the well-known players who were a part of the Clemson program within the last 8 years, saying that their hard work was the foundation that this championship team was built on. A wonderful championship win for a very well-deserving team!
What a game, what a team, what a season! It has been wonderful writing this college football blog for the 3rd full year in a row. Despite my bout with pneumonia, I persevered in finishing this season out strong through my faith in Jesus Christ. Until next year, this is Jonathan Fry signing off.
