The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game featured the two top teams in the country: No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 Clemson.
Clemson was looking for its second national title, its first in 34 years, and to continue its undefeated season. The last time Clemson won was in 1981, also the last time the Tigers finished the season undefeated. Alabama entered the game with 13 titles under its belt — last one in 2012.
The game started off slow, but the Crimson Tide struck first, thanks to a 50-yard touchdown run by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. The Tigers retaliated immediately with six plays for 54 yards on their touchdown drive. Deshaun Watson threw to Hunter Renfrow to tie the game at seven apiece.
Alabama kicker Adam Griffith missed a 44-yard field goal on the next drive to keep the game tied, which opened a window for Clemson to take the lead. The 73-yard drive ended with a completed pass from Watson to Renfrow for an 11-yard touchdown, their second of the night, and the Tigers took their first lead of the game, 14-7, to end the first quarter.
An interception by Eddie Jackson gave Alabama the chance it needed at the Clemson 42-yard-line. Henry rushed for a yard to score and tie the game at 14 all.
Greg Huegel attempted a 44-yard field goal but was blocked by Alabama. Though there were multiple chances for both teams, strong defensive efforts kept the teams tied at 14 at the half.
Both teams came into the second half with an equal chance at the national title, and Alabama took advantage of that, scoring on its first drive of the half. The wide-open 53-yard touchdown pass from Jake Coker to O.J. Howard gave the Tide the lead, but Clemson answered with a 37-yard field goal to cut the Crimson Tide’s lead to 21-17.
Clemson was looking for a comeback and found the end zone to cap off a nine play, 60-yard drive, and regained the lead 24-21.
The fourth quarter was full of action and excitement. Alabama started off with a 33-yard field goal to tie the game at 24. Griffith completed an on-side kick caught by Alabama which led to a 51-yard touchdown pass from Coker to Howard, their second of the night. A 31-yard Clemson field goal made it 31-27 Alabama.
Kenyan Drake returned the kickoff 95 yards for a huge Alabama touchdown, and extended their lead to 38-27.
The Tigers were not giving up as Watson completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Artavis Scott and cut the Crimson Tide’s lead to 38-33.
Alabama was ready to seal the deal as it capped off a 63-yard drive with the Heisman winner finishing with the 1-yard touchdown. The Crimson Tide took the lead 45-33 with 1:07 left to play, and Alabama knew they had claimed another championship.
Clemson was not going to give up as Watson threw the final touchdown of the season. Time expired and the Crimson Tide won their 14th National Championship, 45-40.
Watson gave it all he could against the Crimson Tide with 405 passing yards, the most ever in a National Championship game.
Henry had 158 total yards and scored three touchdowns in Alabama’s win.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban claimed his fourth championship in the last seven years with Alabama and fifth overall.
Alabama and Clemson both finish their seasons 14-1.