The 2016 National Championship was an instant classic between Clemson and Alabama, as the top two college football programs faced off for title. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson put on a stellar performance, passing for over 400 yards and tossing four touchdown passes, but unfortunately the Tigers came up short in a 45-40 defeat. Following last year’s national championship defeat, Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware said that “when the National Championship finalist banner was brought to our facility, it hurt alot cause it represents how close we were but yet so far.” This year, the Clemson Tigers were eager to avenge themselves through the talents of premier quarterback Deshaun Watson and an experienced defense. Going up against Alabama in the national championship game for the second consecutive season, it was unclear whether Clemson would be prepared for the challenge that awaited.

After both teams were largely successful during the regular season, Clemson and Alabama won their respective conference championships and secured themselves a spot in the College Football playoff. In the first round of the playoff, Alabama defeated the Washington Huskies with ease and Clemson blanked Ohio State 31-0 in a dominant defensive showing.

A rematch for the National Championship was set for January 9, 2017 between Alabama and

Clemson. After a long year of planning their revenge, the Tigers finally had an opportunity to avenge the previous year’s disappointing ending. Bo Scarbrough of Alabama ran through the Clemson defense with ease during the first half, scoring twice to put Bama up 14-0. Shortly afterwards, Watson got Clemson on the board to cut the deficit to 14-7 with an eight yard touchdown run. Entering the second half, Alabama led 17-7 and looking to be in control of the game’s momentum. Watson, however, came out strong in the second half and got his team closer after 24 yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow.

After a big defensive stop by the Tigers, Watson got his team back in the end zone after a huge touchdown pass to Mike Williams. Later in the half, Clemson took its first lead of the game on a four yard touchdown run by junior Wayne Gallman. Alabama had four minutes to score and Jalen Hurts showed his mental toughness by advancing the Crimson Tide down the field. Hurts made an incredible 30 yard run to regain the lead for Bama and possibly secure the national championship. Deshaun Watson had two minutes left of his college career to salvage the long awaited national championship victory. With the game on the line and only six seconds remaining, Watson floated a two yard flat route to receiver Hunter Renfrow to win the game, clinching Clemson’s second national championship in program history and first national title in 34 years. In one of the most exciting contests in college football history, Clemson prevailed with a 35-31 victory, dethroning Nick Saban’s Alabama squad as national champions.