Alabama-Clemson joins list of epic title games

In Nick Saban’s own words, Alabama was having trouble containing the Clemson offense led by Deshaun Watson.

When still only a sophomore at Gainesville (Ga.) High, the all-everything quarterback made a remarkably bold prediction of his football future in February 2012.

“It’s not really like it would have been the end of the world”, Saban said, “but it was worth the risk, I felt”. He accounted for 478 of Clemson’s 550 yards (405 passing and 73 rushing), often making Alabama defenders gasp for air to keep up with his brilliant efficiency.

NFL DECLARATIONS: Clemson has several third-year players considering declaring for the NFL draft, and defensive end Shaq Lawson has already said he is going to turn pro.

Henry scored every which way, speeding through the line of scrimmage and outrunning Clemson defensive backs for a 50-yard touchdown-incredibly impressive for a guy who measures in in at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds; plowing through the goal line; leaping above the defensive line and torpedoing into the end zone like he was shot out of a crimson-colored cannon.

From the outset, the game was a showcase for Heisman victor Henry and Heisman finalist Watson.

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. Clemson won its only national title in 1981.

Alabama’s biggest concern? If cornerback Marlon Humphrey would catch the ball. “We dropped some balls and just had some miscues… and it’s hard to beat a team like Alabama if you make those mistakes”. He also said he talked to Alabama running back Derrick Henry following the game and that the two plan to meet up this summer to work out.

“We thought, to be honest with you, that we could do a better job against their quarterback”, Alabama coach Nick Saban said after the game. “But I also knew that we would be able to make some big plays against them because of the way they played, and I think that was really big in this game”. But we’ve said the same thing about other Alabama running backs. The drive was set up with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s scrambling ability as the Clemson star gashed Alabama with runs of 20, 16 and 5 yards.

Watson threw another touchdown pass to cap a wild 40-point fourth quarter, but would not get another chance. The effect was enormous – an onside kick that sparked a 45-40 win over Clemson – even if the play itself was simple.

Howard finished the season third on the team in receiving yards with 602 and tied for third in catches (38) with Richard Mullaney. “I just wanted to get the win and do something that we hadn’t done in 34 years”.

“It was a classic, full of big numbers, big plays and special moments that swung momentum in a game that went back and forth”. Both of his touchdowns went to Howard, who recorded 208 yards on five catches (including a late 63-yard grab on second-and-long that helped ice the game). The SEC had five: Alabama, Mississippi, LSU, Florida and Tennessee.