Clemson Routs Alabama 44-16 For 2nd National Title In 3 Seasons

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Photo credit © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP/97.1 The Ticket) — Trevor Lawrence threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 2 Clemson to its second national title in three years with a 44-16 rout of No. 1 Alabama in the College Football Championship title game.

Feels like this rn #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/0wp0XOTeF9

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 8, 2019

Lawrence threw TD passes to Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross to help undefeated Clemson become the first team in the AP poll era starting in 1936 to win 15 games in a season. Ross finished with six catches -- including two impressive one-handed snags for the highlight reel -- and 153 yards.

In the fourth consecutive playoff meeting between the Tigers and Tide, Clemson evened the series and beat 'Bama for the national title for the second time in three seasons. Clemson is the first team in the AP poll era, dating back to 1936, to finish 15-0.

Coach Dabo Swinney's squad beat Nick Saban and Alabama (14-1) for the second time in three meetings in the CFP title game.

A.J. Terrell had an interception return for a touchdown for Clemson on Alabama's opening drive. Heisman Trophy runner-up Tua Tagovailoa threw another interception and the Tide suffered their most lopsided loss ever under coach Nick Saban.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.