The University of Clemson Tigers have won the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship beating powerhouse favorite Alabama Crimson Tide in historic fashion with a final score of 44-16. Clemson is the first team to finish a season 15-0 since 1997.
Coming into the game, Bama was considered as heavy favorite leaving Clemson and their true freshman Trevor Lawrence as highly underestimated underdogs. The 19 year old freshman who 10 months ago went to his high school prom and graduated from Cartersville High School in Cartersville, Georgia, played with poise and ease like a professional. He is now also the first true freshman to start and win the National Title game since 1985.
Lawrence threw 20/32, 347 yards, 3 TD passes, with a QBR of 92.8. With the stats that match some NFL quarterbacks, he simply couldn’t be stopped. Along the way though, he had help from sophomore running back Tyler Etienne who ran for 86 rushing yards on 14 carries and ran in for 2 touchdowns.
The highly touted defense of Alabama, featuring future NFL draft picks sophomore defensive lineman Quinnen Willams and junior linebacker Anfernee Jennings, looked outmatched and outsmarted by Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney.
For Alabama and future hall of fame coach Nick Saban, it seems like the Crimson Tide couldn’t get passed The Clemson defense which were led by senior captain Christian Wilkins and junior captain Clelin Ferrell.
For Bama quarterback and Heisman finalist Tua Tagovailoa this is considered the “worst” game of his college career so far. Despite throwing for 295 yards and 2 TD passes, his 2 interceptions came at the worst time of the game giving plenty of momentum for Clemson.
This the 2nd National Championship for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers in 3 years. Having one the top recruiting classes so far in college football, heading into the new season as champs in 7 months will feel like a breeze for Clemson. But, given that this was an embarrassing loss for Nick Saban and Bama, there is no question that this will add fuel to the fire and give motivation to prove to the nation that Alabama is still the best team in the land.