Alabama returns as “King” of college football.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban does it again.
He wins his fourth national title at Alabama and fifth overall, after the Tide’s 45-33 victory over Clemson at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Running back Derrick Henry got the game started, but it was the connection between quarterback Jacob Coker and tight end O.J. Howard that stole the show.
Henry totaled 158 rushing yards and three touchdown on 36 carries. He ends this season with 28 rushing touchdowns. Coker was sacked five times, but found a way to complete 16 of 25 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns.
Howard, who came into the national championship game with 33 receptions, had a monster game. The junior grabbed five passes for 208 yards and two scores. Both of Howard’s touchdowns came in excess of 50 yards.
Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson gave Alabama’s defense all it could handle.
He threw for 405 passing yards with four touchdowns and an interceptions. The Tigers outgained Alabama 550-474, but it was not enough. Senior running back Kenyan Drake and place kicker Adam Griffith both contributed with critical plays on special teams. Drake took a 95-yard kick return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and Griffith executed a perfect onside kick that was recovered by cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
The college football roses are once again crimson and white. Alabama emerges a national champion from the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
