By Darin The College Football Playoff National Championship has delivered some incredible moments, but nothing quite matches the sheer drama and tactical brilliance of the 2016 showdown. On January 11, 2016, the No. 1 Clemson Tigers, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, clashed with Nick Saban’s No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. What followed was a 60-minute offensive masterpiece that set a new standard for championship football.
This game was never supposed to be a shootout. Alabama was known for its suffocating defense, yet Clemson’s offense, spearheaded by Watson’s dual-threat brilliance, refused to be silenced. Every time the Crimson Tide looked ready to pull away, the Tigers responded. The teams traded blows relentlessly, totaling 85 points and nearly 1,000 yards of offense.
Article from Jan 12, 2016 The Daily Herald (Everett, Washington)
The turning point, and arguably the most daring call in modern championship history, came in the fourth quarter. With the game tied 24-24, Saban called for an onside kick—the “Pop Kick”—that successfully fooled Clemson and gave Alabama the ball. This bold strategic move, followed quickly by a Derrick Henry touchdown, swung the momentum decisively in favor of the Tide.
Clemson never quit. Watson threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns, doing everything in his power to keep pace. However, Alabama’s special teams unit delivered another dagger when Kenyan Drake returned a subsequent kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
In the end, Alabama secured a 45-40 victory, earning Nick Saban his fourth national title with the Crimson Tide. This high-octane affair was far more than just a championship win; it marked the true beginning of the Alabama-Clemson rivalry, serving up a legendary performance that remains a cornerstone of CFP history.
