A one-second miracle: Clemson overcomes a 14–0 deficit to claim the title
In short: In a historic rematch between the nation's top two teams, Clemson faced a daunting 14–0 deficit against Alabama. What followed was a dramatic comeback, culminating in a touchdown with just one second remaining on the clock to secure the Tigers' first national title since 1981.
On January 9, 2017, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, hosted the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, a historic moment for the sport. It marked the first time in the history of the College Football Playoff that the #1 and #2 ranked teams met in a national championship rematch, following their encounter in the 2016 championship game.
The game was a high-stakes battle between the Clemson Tigers, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, and the defending champion Alabama Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban. Alabama entered the game as a 6.5-point favorite, boasting a defense that ranked first in the nation for yards per game (248) and points allowed (11.8). Clemson, meanwhile, entered with a 13–1 record, having previously defeated Ohio State 31–0 in the Fiesta Bowl.
The outcome turned on a frantic final sequence. After Alabama regained a 31–28 lead, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson led a drive that included a crucial pass interference call with 6 seconds remaining. Watson then threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow with only one second left on the clock, sealing a 35–31 victory for the Tigers. This performance allowed Watson to set a new championship record with 420 passing yards, surpassing his own previous record of 405 yards set in 2016.
The game's significance extended beyond the scoreboard. It was the first CFP championship played outdoors, as Raymond James Stadium lacks a retractable roof, and it was the first to be hosted at a site other than a 'New Year's Six' bowl location. The broadcast drew 26.03 million viewers, representing a 4% increase in overnight Nielsen ratings compared to the previous year's championship.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship
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