CHAMPIONSHIP BLITZ

HERO

Apparently, Clemson star quarterback Deshaun Watson could outdo last year’s unbelievable performance. After totaling 478 yards and four touchdowns in last year’s loss to Alabama, Watson was even more magical in an upset of the defending champion Crimson Tide, throwing for 420 yards and totaling four touchdowns, which included his 2-yard pass to Hunter Renfrow with one second remaining in regulation.

ZERO

Alabama true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts was nearly the hero after scrambling for a go-ahead 30-yard touchdown in the final minutes, but Hurts’ poor performance in the pocket prevented the Crimson Tide from pulling away earlier. Looking to become just the second true freshman quarterback ever to lead his team to a national title, Hurts completed just 13-of-31 passes for 131 yards, throwing one touchdown to a wide-open O.J. Howard, and missing several more opportunities.

UNSUNG HERO

Crimson Tide power back Bo Scarbrough followed his breakout semifinal outing with another bruising showcase, pummeling Clemson’s defense and nearly carrying Alabama’s offense to another title after converting two long touchdown runs to open the game. He finished with 93 yards on 16 carries, but left the game late in the third quarter with a leg injury.

KEY STAT

35 Years since Clemson had won college football’s national championship. The Tigers did it by putting up 35 points against a defense that allowed teams to score less than 12 points per game during the regular season.