Quarterback Jalen Hurts made some bad reads, Alabama wide receivers had some bad drops, and instead of wilting as the game progressed, the Clemson defensive front only got stronger and more stout against the Tide's downhill rushing attack.
There were also several examples of game number 15 taking its toll on these two physical teams, especially in a contest that dragged into the early hours of Tuesday. In the big picture these minor injuries would seem less impactful, but losing Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell and Alabama star running back Bo Scarbrough from the contest no doubt played a huge role in the outcome.
The final quarter was a test of conditioning and team strength, both physical and mental, with lots of hands on hips and slow recoveries after hard hits. As the defenses wore down, the game was put in the hands of the quarterbacks. While Hurts struggled to connect on downfield pass attempts, ]Watson reminded everyone why there's been no one better during the last two seasons.
He picked apart Alabama on the edges, ran away from the Tide pass rushers -- often spinning out from a would-be sack but still ending plays on the ground after letting a pass go -- and gave Clemson its first lead of the game at the mark in the fourth quarter.
Alabama responded with a touchdown drive powered by a trick play, a wide receiver pass from ArDarius Stewart to O. Howard , and a long Hurts touchdown run. For Hurts, who finished the game completing just of passes yards, it seemed like a redemption moment on the ground in a game where the Tide's passing attack was lacking both intimidation and effectiveness. Watson finished the game by hitting of passes without tossing a single interception.
For those keeping score, in his two games against Alabama's defense -- widely considered the best in the sport -- Watson totaled yards of offense. This time, it resulted in a national championship.
By Chip Patterson. Monday, January 9, 8 p. ET No. Heisman finalist and junior quarterback Deshaun Watson broke his own passing record in a national championship game with yards.
Watson was responsible for four touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter, and was named Offensive Player of the Game. Clemson's defense, helped by Defensive Player of the Game Ben Boulware, held Alabama's offense to a season-low yards, and a 2-of performance on third downs. After rallying from an early deficit, it was Clemson's offense that prevailed, putting up 21 points in the fourth quarter.
The lead changed hands three times in the fourth, with Clemson scoring the game-winning touchdown with one second left in the game.
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