By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
Alabama 45-Clemson 40
GLENDALE, Ariz.—Before a crowd of 75,765 fans the No. 1 ranked Clemson Tigers took on the No. 2 University of Alabama Crimson Tide for the National Championship, Monday night.
The Clemson Tigers won the toss and deferred. Alabama got the ball first. The Tide was unable to convert a third and 6 and was forced to punt the ball with 11:06 remaining in the first. JK Scott punted the ball 44 yards and Clemson’s Artavis Scott caught the fair catch ball on the Tiger’s 9-yard line. Clemson was unable to convert a third and 8 and punted the ball. With 7:55 remaining in the first, Derrick Henry scores for the Tide on a 50-yard run, Clemson scores with 5:18 remaining in the first on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow. Alabama has the ball with 5:09 left in the first. The Tide goes for the field goal but the kick by Adam Griffith was wide right. At the end of the first, Deshaun Watson throws a 11-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow on third and 9. Going into the second quarter, Clemson leads the Tide 14-7.
The second quarter started with Alabama Quarterback Jake Coker making a 29-yard completion to Richard Mullaney to the Clemson 46-yard line. Derrick Henry lost four yards on the first down. Coker was sacked on the second down and Alabama was unable to convert on third and 18. Alabama punts to Clemson with 12:55 remaining in the second. With 11:55 remaining, Eddie Jackson intercepts the Clemson ball. With 9:35 remaining in the half, Derrick Henry scores on a 1-yard run. Score is tied 14-14. Clemson goes three and out. Alabama was unable to convert a third and 10 and had to punt. Clemson was forced to go for the field goal. Alabama’s, DJ Pettway blocks the Clemson 45-yard field goal attempt. Going into halftime, the score was 14-14.
With 12:53 left in the third, Jay Coker throws a 53-yard pass to OJ Howard to make the score, Alabama 21, Clemson 14. With 10:10 left in the third, Clemson was in scoring position when Ronnie Harrison for the Tide, knocked a pass out of Clemson wide receiver, Artavis Scott’s hands. Clemson settles for a 37 yard field goal. Alabama goes for three and out and has to punt. With 4:48 remaining in the third, Clemson running back, Wayne Gallman scores on a 1-yard touchdown capping a 9-play, 60-yard drive. Score is Clemson 24, Alabama 21. With 2:56 remaining in the quarter, Alabama is forced to punt after Richard Mullaney drops a pass on third and 9. With 1:04 remaining in the third, Clemson has to punt after Rashaan Evans sacks Deshaun Watson on third down.
Starting the fourth quarter, Alabama goes three and out and is forced to punt. With 13:15 left to play, Clemson punts after being unable to convert the third and 10. Alabama ties the game, 24-24, with a 33-yard field goal by Adam Griffith. With 10:34 left in the fourth quarter, Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey recovers an onside kick. Jake Coker sails a perfect 51-yard touchdown pass to OJ Howard, making the score, Alabama 38-24. With 7:47 left in the game, Clemson settles for a 31-yard field goal. With 7:31 left in the game, Kenyan Drake has a 95-yard kick return to score for Alabama. With 4:40 left on the clock, Clemson quarterback, Deshaun Watson connects with Artavis Scott for a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers go for two but failed. Alabama 38, Clemson 33. With 1:07 left in the game, Derrick Henry brings one in from the one yard line for the Crimson Tide. With :12 left in the game, Deshaun Watson connects with Jordan Leggett on a 24-yard pass. to bring the score within five. Alabama recovers the onside kick and takes a knee. Alabama 45, Clemson 40.
Alabama has its 16th National Championship, the fourth one under Coach Nick Saban.
Alabama Tight End, OJ Howard was named the Offensive Player of the Game. He caught five passes for 208 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Alabama Safety, Eddie Jackson was named the Defensive Player of the Game. Jackson had the interception in the second quarter with Clemson leading by seven. The interception gave perfect field position for the Tide and led to the score that tied the game.
To learn about upcoming events for alumni and fans in the area, like the Dekalb County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Facebook page.
