By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Cody Estremera)

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. …read more

Source:: The Crimson White Sports