SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP/97.1 The Ticket) — Clemson drew first blood -- thanks to its defense -- in the CFP title game, which looked like it would turn into a shootout.
On Alabama's third play from scrimmage, Tua Tagovailoa threw an off-target on a pass that A.J. Terrell intercepted and returned 44 yards for the game's opening score.
Clemson picks off Tua and takes it back to the house!-- pic.twitter.com/KRdExgJm97
— College Town™ (@CollegeT0wn)
January 8, 2019 PICK-SIX! A.J. Terrell takes it back 42 yards to the house for a 7-0 Clemson lead! pic.twitter.com/0pADku2TjO
— ESPN (@espn)
January 8, 2019 The Crimson Tide normally are fast starters with TDs on the opening possession 11 times in the first 14 games and outscoring the opposition 210-45 in the opening quarter.
Alabama was quick to answer back, though, as Tagovailoa threw a 62-yard TD strike to Jerry Jeudy to even things up.
Another look at the 62-yard touchdowh by Alabamapic.twitter.com/4DOYfIgMca
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman)
January 8, 2019 Well, Tua is back pic.twitter.com/2xIeDZ7ONT
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow)
January 8, 2019 The Tigers kept the excitement going on their next drive, putting up a 62-yard pass of its own, followed by a 17-yard touchdown run on the next play for the third score less than five minutes into the game.
Clemson's offense got the memo about the game being a shootout, but Alabama's did not. The Crimson Tide would only add one more touchdown (with a missed extra point) and a field goal, as
the Tigers went on to win 44-16, handing Alabama its worst loss under Nick Saban.
