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.
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.
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.
