Alabama’s Saban adapts to the times, keeps on winning

Last night, Alabama coach Nick Saban was fearless and because of it his Crimson Tide won him his fourth national title in seven years with a 45-40 win. He was on the Tide team that won a national championship in 1992, upsetting Miami in the Sugar Bowl.

Alabama’s Kenyan Drake gets past Clemson kicker Greg Huegel as he runs back a kick off for a touchdown during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Watson piled up plenty of yards but Alabama made stops when it counted, too – plus Saban’s gutsy fourth-quarter onside kick call that led to a tie-breaking touchdown.

Alabama and Clemson both finished the season at 14-1. For Saban, it is his fifth national championship – four in his nine seasons at Alabama – leaving him only one short of Bryant. And per tradition, he was given the celebratory gatorade shower to finish the night. Who’s the best coach in Alabama history?

The onside kick call took guts, but had it been unsuccessful, Saban and his staff would have been second-guessed. Their quarterback, Deshaun Watson is considered a victor although his team didn’t win. Each of the “New Years Six” Bowls (Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl) would be awarded either a quarterfinal or semifinal game on a rotating basis, while allowing the playoff to conclude with the unbranded National Championship game.

The Tigers had won 51 consecutive games when leading after three quarters but couldn’t hold on against Alabama after taking a 24-21 lead into the final period.

Watson threw his third touchdown pass to make it 38-33 with 4:40 left, and then Alabama went back to its workhorse Heisman Trophy victor. Most of the yardage came on completions courtesy of busted coverages by the Tigers secondary, but Howard’s speed is impressive for a player at his position. Alabama had the lead now and would never give it back. Swinney grew up near Birmingham and played for Alabama when Gene Stallings was the coach in the early 1990s.

“I got goose bumps just watching Derrick Henry and Jake Coker and Reggie Ragland – you know the three mainstays”, said Shaw, 77, over the noise from the crowd behind him.

Henry had 20 carries for 75 yards. The junior had five receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think it’s remarkable what he has done”, said Neuheisel, now an analyst with CBS. The Fighting Irish were rarely challenged during their dominating run, going four straight seasons without losing a game.

WILLIAMS RETURN: Clemson’s best receiver, sure-handed deep threat Mike Williams, missed all but the first quarter of the first game with a neck injury.