Alabama had been practicing that onside kick play since August

Watson, who finished third behind Alabama’s Derrick Henry and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey in the Heisman Trophy voting, had carried the Tigers (14-1) all season.

A failed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter (highlighted by a cameo from this over-testosteroned clown) would have just been a routine extra point if Clemson had scored seven instead of settling for three on that drive.

Howard also had a 63-yard reception on a screen pass in the second half.

A 50-yard run by Henry opened the scoring to put the Crimson Tide up early, 7-0, with 7:55 left in the first period.

Clemson’s T.J. Green (15) knocks Alabama’s O.J. Howard out of bounds after a catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.

Alabama’s fireworks on offense were enough to offset a brilliant effort from Watson, who dazzled with his arm, his legs and dizzying improvisation skills. Kicker Adam Griffith blooped it perfectly to the right, defensive back Marlon Humphrey sprinted underneath it … and dropped it. Not for the first time.

Alabama slugged and Clemson danced in the first half, leaning on their two offensive stars with contrasting styles. The Tigers are in good hands, and Watson didn’t have to say what we’re already thinking.

“I made the decision to do it because the score (was tied) and we were exhausted on defense, and weren’t doing a great job of getting them stopped”, Saban said. “I was just arguing the call that went against us”.

If you fell asleep during Monday night’s college football championship game, well, we feel for you.

At SB Nation, Patrick Vint notes while Alabama hasn’t lost often under Saban, when they have, special teams have been an issue.

Then, following a Clemson field goal that cut the Alabama lead to 31-27, Kenyan Drake returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for touchdown that gave Alabama its first double digit lead of the night, 38-27.

“By far the best national championship Alabama’s played since Saban’s been here”, Shirley said. Saban ordered an onside kick.

“I’ve never been prouder of a group of young guys”.

“But championship football is a game of a few plays, and that’s really what this one came down to, just a few plays”, he said. Coker transferred to Alabama in January 2014 after three years at FSU, where he won a national title backing up Jameis Winston.

His gamble paid off. It gave the Crimson Tide a lead they wouldn’t relinquish and helped win Saban his fifth national championship as a head coach. That’s why Clemson (14-1) should be more than excited about its prospects next year.

Watson’s play, though, could not make up for Clemson’s mistakes on defense and special teams against Alabama. Recognizing that Alabama’s ship was taking on water, he went into scramble mode to save it. He played against type.

Alabama had allowed only 19 points in the opening quarter its first 14 games before giving up two touchdowns to Watson’s Tigers.

“At the end of the day I wanted the W”, he said. Clemson won its only national title in 1981. Benched earlier this season, Jake Coker gets the vindication award after throwing for 335 yards and two touchdowns.

A transfer from the Florida State, Coker also ran for a key third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter.

Clemson will get back Mike Williams, who was injured in the opener against Appalachian State after leading the Tigers in receiving in 2014.