Alabama beats Clemson for the national title, and its coach explains the onside kick
On January 11, 2016, Alabama beat Clemson for its 16th football national championship, Alabama’s fourth in seven years.
Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
… felt like if we didn’t do something or take a chance to change the momentum of the game that we wouldn’t have a chance to win
Associated Press, via ESPN
Day by day
- Jan 12, 2016Alabama’s head coach said his team was probably as good as it gets at competing and making plays when it needed to.
- Same dayAlabama’s head coach said he tried the onside kick to change the momentum of the game.
- Same dayClemson’s head coach said it would not be 34 years before his team was back.
The day
In a scintillating matchup of contrasting styles, the Alabama Crimson Tide (14-1) showed incredible resourcefulness and resilience to earn its 16th football national championship on Monday night in the Arizona desert.
Reaction
Jan 12, 2016
What Alabama said
Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
But when it comes to competing and making plays when we needed to make them, it was probably as good as it gets.
What Clemson said
Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach
It won’t be 34 years before we’re going to be back, I guarantee you that.
Deshaun Watson, Clemson quarterback
I just wanted to get the win and do something that we haven’t done in 34 years.
Associated Press, via ESPN
There were a few plays we didn’t really capitalize on, and I missed some throws
Related
- Same coach: Nick Saban’s coaching record
- Same coach: Dabo Swinney’s coaching record
- More: All of History
- Same quotes, as a list
Sources
News and releases
ESPN, Jan 12, 2016“Tide Turner: Gutsy play helps ‘Bama get past Clemson, 45-40”
Alabama Athletics, Jan 11, 2016“Alabama Wins CFP National Championship With 45-40 Win Over Clemson - Alabama Athletics”
Alabama Athletics’ own game story
Los Angeles Times, Jan 12, 2016“Alabama keeps the dynasty rolling, beating Clemson in CFP thriller for fourth national title in seven years”