Alabama faced its toughest competition of the year in the National Championship with its rematch against Clemson. With a final score of 35-31, Clemson defeated Alabama with only moments left in the game.

Fans journeyed to Tampa to support their teams with some people paying up to $2000 for their tickets. National media predictions favored Alabama’s win with a count of 31-28. Junior Sam Barr also predicted a Bama win, “Alabama will win because they are the best team in college football right now and they have more national championship experience than Clemson.”

The top-ranked Crimson Tide entered the game with a 14-0 record and defeated Washington in the Peach Bowl. Defensive players like Jonathan Allen were anticipated to do well. The offense, after replacing Offensive Coach Lane Kiffin with Steve Sarkisian and after struggling some during the season, had more to prove, but it wasn’t enough.

Mason Powell, a junior, said, “They [Bama] lost a few key players to injury and just didn’t play the clock right.”

The Clemson Tigers, ranked 3rd in the NCAA FBS standings, had a 13-1 record and defeated Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Earlier in the season, the Tigers lost to Pittsburgh 43-42 after a field goal with only six seconds left in the game. Coached by Alabama native Dabo Swinney, the team had standout players like quarterback DeShaun Watson, who finished second in the Heisman race.

When asked what were the deciding factors in the outcome, senior Brandon Shaw, who attended the game, said,  “DeShaun Watson and the way he was able to bring the team up, and how they [his teammates] looked up to him. Also, their defensive line was very strong in a tough game.”

In the end, Clemson clenched the win with one second to spare. The final score was 35-31. Clemson earned its first National Championship since 1981, and Coach Swinney and Heisman nominee Watson made it happen when it mattered most.

Coach Saban will need at least one more year to tie Coach Bear Bryant’s record.