Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) breaks free for a touchdown as quarterback Jake Coker (14) celebrates during the first half of the Playoff Championship NCAA football game against Clemson, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Heisman Trophy running back Derrick Henry scored three touchdowns to help lead the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide to a 45-40 victory over the No. 1 seed Clemson Tigers in the NCAA College Football Playoffs National Championship game on Jan. 11 in Phoenix.
The matchup became a shootout that came down to who had the ball last with the most time to score. That turned out to be the Crimson Tide, who extended their lead to 45-33 after Henry scored a one-yard touchdown run with a minute left in the game. The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner was initially stopped just inches outside of the end zone, but kept pumping his feet and eventually forced himself in for the championship-clinching score.
Alabama desperately needed the touchdown after Clemson cut Alabama’s lead to 38-33 minutes earlier with a 15-yard touchdown pass by sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson. After Henry’s decisive touchdown, Watson tossed another touchdown pass to shorten Alabama’s lead to 45-40 with just 12 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough to keep Alabama from claiming the national title.
Alabama players celebrate after the defeated Clemson 45-40 to win the Playoff Championship NCAA football game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Watson completed 30 of 47 passes for four touchdown passes, one interception and 405 yards. He also rushed for 73 yards on 20 carries.
Despite the late fireworks, the game started out more slowly, as both teams played tough defense in the first half; the score was tied at 14-14 at halftime.
Henry scored both of Alabama’s first half touchdowns, including a 50-yard touchdown run to deliver the first points of the game. Henry finished with 158 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Crimson Tide senior quarterback Jake Coker also had an outstanding performance, completing 16 of 25 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns; both of his touchdown passes were caught by junior tight end O.J. Howard, including a 51-yard score that broke a 24-24 tie at the start of the fourth quarter. Howard had six catches for 208 yards.
Alabama’s victory marked its fourth national championship in six years; the Crimson Tide owns 16 total national football titles.
Head coach Nick Saban earned his fifth national title, four of which came with Alabama and one as head coach of the LSU Tigers in 2003.
