Clemson Defeats Alabama in National Championship Rematch

After an exciting game in Phoenix last year, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers went head to head again this year in the BCS National Championship game in Tampa, Florida.

Fireworks shoot off as the two teams take the field to begin the game. greer.

In a back and forth battle of college football’s two best teams, Deshaun Watson and the Tigers were able to finish what they couldn’t last year. In the 2016 National Championship, Alabama came out on top of the Tigers with a 45-40 win, giving them their 16th national title. This year, however, in the final seconds of the 4th quarter, the Tigers were able to pull out the win, ending Alabama’s 26-0 winning streak.

Senior Michael Payne with sisters Carti (left) and Courtney (right) cheering on the Tide. payne.

Clemson quarterback, Deshaun Watson found wide receiver and walk on, Hunter Renfrow in the end zone with one second left on the clock to put the Tigers on top with a 35-31 win over Alabama. Before Jan. 9, 2017, Clemson had not beaten Alabama in football since 1905 and had not won a national championship since 1981. After 35 long years, Clemson fans finally got what they had been waiting for against the famous college football dynasty that is Alabama.

Senior Morgan Keller with sister Riley before the game. keller.

Prior to the game, Alabama was a 6.5 point favorite over Clemson and not many people thought Clemson would come out on top. The game on January 9th was a long one, but one that kept everyone on their toes. There was never a dull moment throughout the whole game.

Senior Charis Thompson and her family stay after the game to celebrate the tigers win. thompson.

Several Wesleyan students had the opportunity to go to Tampa to watch the epic rematch. Junior Evan Smart and seniors Drew Masters, Emily Greer, Michael Payne, Morgan Keller and Charis Thompson were in Raymond- James Stadium to watch the game. Senior Morgan Keller enjoyed being at the game and said “it was so fun to witness what others saw through a TV screen.” Senior Charis Thompson said that she enjoyed the Alabama fans around her and “their silence in the last 6 seconds of the game.” Thompson also said that when Clemson won, “it was the most excited that I’ve ever been before.”

Clemson fans celebrate after the big win over Alabama. thompson.

As an Alabama fan who was not present at the game, head football Coach, Mr. Pridgen said “it was exhausting to watch” and “the emotional- rollercoaster was agonizing.”