The fifth national championship of the College Football Playoff era was a matchup consisting of number one ranked Alabama and number two ranked Clemson. All season long these two teams were expected by many to make the championship. Both schools cruised through the regular season as Alabama had a record of 13-0 winning the competitive SEC conference championship over Georgia, and Clemson also had a record of 13-0 winning the ACC conference championship over Pittsburgh. The college Football Playoffs started with two games ending in blowout fashion as Clemson defeated Notre Dame 30-3 and Alabama trumped Oklahoma 45-34.This set up for a crazy championship game and guaranteeing the champion to make history as the first undefeated National Champion in the CFP era.

Alabama’s Heisman Trophy runner-up, Tua Tagovailoa, carried the Crimson Tide ever since he replaced Jalen Hurts in the national championship one year prior. His night did not start off so well because on Alabama’s first offensive possession he threw an interception to A.J. Terrell which was returned for a touchdown making the score 7-0 in favor of Clemson. Tua would redeem himself on the next drive as he hooked up with wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy for a 62 yard Touchdown.

Tagovailoa would not be the only outstanding quarterback playing in the championship as Clemson had a phenomenal true freshman Trevor Lawrence. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, was very prepared for Alabama’s steller offense as Tua was confused reading many defensive alignments and was forced to make challenging plays all game. The Crimson Tide came out of halftime expecting to cut into a 31-16 deficit but failed to do so. A never before seen side of Nick Saban was seen when Alabama’s first three possessions of the half resulted in a turnover on downs, Clemson touchdown and a miserable failed fake field goal attempt. The connection between the Tigers true freshmen Trevor Lawrence and Justyn Ross was available all night as Ross had 163 yards and a TD, while Lawrence totaled 347 yards for three TDs. The Clemson defense, loaded with NFL talent was brilliant all night and shut out Alabama in the second half resulting in a Clemson win by a score of 44-16. Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers has won two of the last three national championships and look to continue their dynasty in the years to come.