Clemson defense key to turnaround win over Alabama

Clemson won its first national title Monday, defeating previously unbeaten Alabama 35-31 with a furious, 21-point fourth-quarter comeback.

Just about a year ago, Alabama won the title, outscoring Clemson in the fourth quarter for a 45-40 victory.

So what was the difference between Alabama-Clemson I and Alabama-Clemson II? A year ago, the Crimson Tide converted 50 percent of its third-down plays. Monday, it was successful on just 13 percent of those plays.

A year ago, Clemson put up more total yards (550) than it did this season (511), but getting those defensive stops (and forcing a season-high 10 Alabama punts) was critical.

Individually, Clemson quarterback enjoyed another big game against Alabama. He threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns Monday. A year ago, he threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.

Hunter Renfrow caught seven passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns last year, and had 10 catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns Monday.

Alabama’s O.J. Howard had five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns last year. He had four catches for 106 yards and a touchdown Monday.

Here’s a look at the basic team stats from both games, side by side:

 

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This story was originally published January 10, 2017 at 8:59 PM with the headline "Clemson defense key to turnaround win over Alabama."