Alabama Hangs On To Top Clemson, 45-40, In The National Championship Game
GLENDALE, A.Z., (AP) -- Alabama does it again, and the dynasty is as good as ever.
A daring on-side kick turned the tide in Alabama's favor and touched off a second-half scoring explosion and the Crimson Tide beat Clemson 45-40 in the national championship on Monday night.
The thrill-a-minute game in the desert delivered a dazzling display of touchdowns, including two long pass plays from Jake Coker to O.J. Howard.
The victory gives Alabama (14-1) its fourth national title in seven years,, an incredible run under coach Nick Saban. Clemson (14-1) came into the game ranked No. 1 with a perfect record.
Derrick Henry carried 36 times for 158 yards and three TDs, a 50-yarder and a pair of 1-yard runs. His final score came with 1:21 left following a 63-yard Coker-to-Howard pass play.
Howard had five catches for 208 yards.
Deshaun Watson kept Clemson even into the fourth quarter before 'Bama went bonkers with a 24-point fourth quarter.
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