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Last-second touchdown snaps Tide’s 26-game winning streak
The Clemson Tigers stunned Alabama on Monday night, rallying for a wild 35-31 victory, snapping the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide’s 26-game winning streak and clinching the school’s second-ever national championship.
Clemson clawed back from a 14-0 deficit, and Hunter Renfrow hauled in the winning 2-yard pass from Deshaun Watson with one second left.
With less than five minutes left in the game, Clemson’s Wayne Gallman punched into the end zone to give the Tigers the lead for the first time, 28-24. But Alabama promptly marched downfield and reclaimed the lead on a 30-yard run by freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts with two minutes left. But that was enough time for Watson to drive the Tigers 68 yards for the winning score.
After a defensive struggle in the first half, the second half opened up for both offenses. Watson passed for 420 yards and three touchdowns against the nation’s top defense.
It was the second year in a row the two teams squared off in the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and the rematch was every bit as exciting as last year’s 45-42 shootout.
Clemson’s win denied Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a fifth undisputed national championship, which would have tied him with Alabama legend Bear Bryant for the most ever. Saban had led Alabama to four championships in the previous seven seasons.
It was Clemson’s first win over Alabama since 1905, and their first national title since 1981.
