Watson leaves Tigers for NFL
Clemson quarterback
is leaving the Tigers as a champion.
The Georgia native announced after steering the Tigers to a 35-31 national title win over Alabama Monday night he will enter the NFL Draft.
Watson passed for 420 yards and had four total touchdowns in his final college game, ending his career with another impressive performance against the nation's top defense while delivering Clemson its first national championship since 1981.
“I think it's my time to go, just kind of end it with a bang,” Watson said. “I've enjoyed the three years, and I just wanted to sign my name and end it with an exclamation point, and I think I did that. Moments like this I'll never forget.”
Watson closed his college career 32-3 as a starter.
He wrapped the 2016 season with 50 total touchdowns, eclipsing the Clemson touchdown record he previously set last season.
He passed for 41 touchdowns, which is an ACC record.
“This guy, his class, his humility, this was his Heisman tonight and this was really what he wanted. This is what he came to Clemson to do,” Tigers coach
said. “He's just been an unbelievable player, preparer, leader and ambassador for this university.”
Clemson is back underdog role.
Alabama tops the Westgate SuperBook's odds to win next season's college football championship game at 3-1. Florida State is next at 7-1, followed by Oklahoma, Ohio State and USC, which in the were all given 8-1 odds.
Clemson’s Westgate odds of repeating are listed as 18-1 after losing a slew of top players to the NFL.
Clemson finished No. 1 and Alabama was No. 2 in the final Associated press top 25 poll of the 2016-17 season.
The poll featured four teams from the start of Florida.
FSU (10-3) was the highest ranked team, checking in at No. 8 after defeating No. 10 Michigan in the Orange Bowl.
Despite the running back and other key players, the Seminoles return quarterback and are expected to thrive next season.
Florida (9-4) was ranked No. 14 after defeating Iowa in the Outback Bowl. loss of star
The Gators have a slew of defenders headed to the NFL, but underclassmen shined in the bowl and UF fans are hoping one of the team’s freshman quarterbacks can improve the tepid offense.
USF (11-2) was No. 19 after defeating South Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl. Dual-threat quarterback
leads a talented squad that will be adapting to new coach
style of play next year.
And Miami was No. 20 after beating No. 18 West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
The Hurricanes lose record-setting quarterback
but former UM quarterback has inspired confidence after one season coaching the ’Canes.