NEW ORLEANS- No. 4 Alabama defeated No. 1 Clemson, 24-6, in the College Football Playoff semifinal to advance to the national championship. The Crimson Tide will face Georgia in an all-SEC title game. This is the second time in three tries that Alabama has beaten Clemson in a CFP game. With the win, Alabama improves to 12-1, while Clemson finishes its season at 12-2.
Alabama now has appeared in the last three title games, winning it in 2016 and falling to Clemson in 2017. Overall, Alabama is 4-1 in national championships under head coach Nick Saban.
Moment of the Game:
Nose guard Da’Ron Payne intercepted Kelly Bryant’s pass and returned it 21 yards into Clemson territory. He later caught Jalen Hurts’ pass for a one-yard touchdown on the ensuing drive.
Offensive player of the game
Matthew Speakman: Da’Ron Payne
Cody Estremera: Damien Harris
Defensive player of the game
Matthew Speakman: Anfernee Jennings
Cody Estremera: Anfernee Jennings
Fan player of the game
Offense: Da’Ron Payne
Defense: Anfernee Jennings
Notes:
- Clemson finished with just 188 yards. They came into the game averaging 448 yards per game.
- Alabama came out strong against Clemson in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide held Clemson to just 10 plays and negative seven yards. Alabama 102 yards on 20 plays.
- Jalen Hurts connected with his favorite target Calvin Ridley in the back right corner of the end zone for Alabama’s first touchdown of the game.
- Alabama’s defense came up with a huge stop on its first series of the second half. It held Clemson to negative five yards on three plays, holding Clemson to a field goal.
- Nose guard Da’Ron Payne intercepted Kelly Bryant’s pass and returned it 21 yards into Clemson territory. He later caught Jalen Hurts’ pass for a one-yard touchdown.
- After Alabama’s first touchdown of the second half, Clemson ran just one play and was intercepted by Mack Wilson, who returned it 18 yards for a touchdown.
