Clemson Wins National Title, Lawrence Named MVP

NCAAF - Trevor Lawrence (Photo by James Schwabero/Getty Images)

Even when Alabama went into halftime down 31-16, it still felt like they had a chance to win.

After receiving the second half kick, Alabama stalled near the red zone and they decided to take a short field goal.  Snap, hold, nope!  In a stroke of genius, Nick Saban thought he had a better chance of getting six yards with a backup QB on a fake field goal than he did using his offense.  The play failed, and three plays later Justyn Ross caught a 74 yard touchdown, all but ending Alabama’s chances.  Clemson would end up coasting to a 44-16 win, and becoming the 2019 National Champions.

Grabbing the honor of MVP, Trevor Lawrence played great against a defense who gave up less than 15 points a game during the regular season.  He was 20-32 for 347 yard and three touchdowns. Lawrence received high praise from his coach after the game.

“There aren't a lot of guys who, just by walking in the building, are an automatic tipping point guy, the guy who put you over the top.  That was never the conversation in the building.  From the time he walked into that building in January, just a couple of weeks removed from eating in the high school cafeteria, we knew he was the real deal. He was a leader, day one. And, oh, by the way, he can sling that dang football around, too, can't he?"

 Travis Etienne had a great game as well.  He rushed for 86 yards and scored three touchdowns.  Justyn Ross was the Tigers leading receiver with six receptions for 153 yards, which included the game icing 74 yard touchdown.

On the losing side, Tua Tagovailoa threw for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks.  Najee Harris was Alabama's leading rusher with 59 yards on nine carries.  Jerry Jeudy played well with 139 receiving yards and a TD.

It wasn't a surprise that Clemson won.  They were good enough to win. I just didn’t know they were THAT good.

After the game, a spectating Deshaun Watson was asked about Lawrence. 

"My man is a true freshman.  He's got at least two more years to do work. He's gonna be a legend. He already is. People know that now."

By Chris Czaplinski