Sports

Alabama Beats Clemson 45-40 To Win National Championship

January 11, 2016 / 11:43 PM CST / CBS Texas

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GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBSSPORTS.COM) - No. 2 Alabama won its fourth national title in the last seven seasons, outlasting the dynamic play of Deshaun Watson and No. 1 Clemson in a 45-40 victory Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game.

Tuscaloosa took home its fourth national title in the Nick Saban era with a win over previously unbeaten Clemson, reports CBSSports.com. The Crimson Tide executed down the stretch with a 24-point fourth quarter.

The Crimson Tide (14-1) became the second team in college football's poll era, dating back to 1936, to win four titles in seven seasons.

Alabama joins Notre Dame, which won four titles from 1943-49. For Alabama coach Nick Saban, it is his fifth national championship, leaving him only one short of former Tide coach Bear Bryant for the most all-time.

Alabama hit Clemson (15-0) with a barrage of big plays, including four touchdowns of at least 50 yards, and used a surprising onside kick early in the fourth quarter to seize control.

Watson gave the Tide all it could handle, throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns.