The Clemson Tigers completely annihilated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College National Championships. With their 44-16 blowout win over the Crimson Tide, the Tigers have secured their second national championship in three years. According to Yahoo! Sports, it’s the first time an Alabama team coached by Nick Saban lost by more than 14 points. It’s also the first time in college football history a team has finished a season 15-0 since 1897.
Clemson's freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was named the offensive MVP. Lawrence is the first freshman quarterback to start for a championship team since Oklahoma’s Jamelle Holieway in 1985. Clemson's Justyn Ross was also an offensive star during the blowout. He caught a pass from Lawrence for a 74-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Ross finished the game with 153 yards receiving. Clemon's defense held strong against the Crimson Tide in the red zone, stifling them on several occasions. Alabama decided to go for a fake field goal, which was a questionable play that didn't work. Saban's leadership wasn't on point, and Clemson just looked more prepared and hungry for the win than Alabama. Star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a pick-six on Alabam's first possession, and the bad energy seemed to stick with him all night. He did finish the game 22-of-34 passing for 295 yards and two touchdowns, but was benched for Jalen Hurts in the fourth quarter.