Clemson Gets the Better of Alabama in National Championship

After a competitive first quarter, the Clemson Tigers poured on the offense en route to a blowout over Alabama in the National Championship.

Clemson Tigers celebrates 44 16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Getty

Image via Getty/Ezra Shaw

Clemson Tigers celebrates 44 16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

For the second time in three years, the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship. However, unlike their previous matchup, this one was nowhere near as exciting or close.

It looked like we were in for an entertaining back-and-forth in the beginning when Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa responded to an early first quarter pick six with a TD pass of his own. Both sides continued exchanging blows and the first quarter ended with Clemson clinging to a slim 14-13 lead.

Alabama got on the board early in the second quarter with a short field goal from Joseph Bulovas. The Crimson Tide never scored another point: Clemson put up 30 unanswered points to complete their absolute, 44-16 demolishment of 'Bama. 

Even though Clemson freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence had arguably his best game of the season tonight—20-for-32 with 347 passing yards and three touchdowns—it’s hard to overlook the Tigers’ stifling defense that made big plays when it mattered most. The Crimson Tide could not pick up any momentum to potentially turn the tide. No pun intended. 

Clemson's victory tonight capped off an impressive set of wins in the College Football Playoff where they outscored Notre Dame and Alabama, 74-19. With Lawrence under center next season and a revolving door of talented defensive players, the Tigers could very well get back to this title game next year.

Latest in Sports