GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The desperation onside kick failed, and Clemson's Cinderella aspiration for its first national title in 34 years fell short as Alabama took a knee in victory formation. College football's preeminent colossus stood atop college football for an 11th time after a back-and-forth 45-40 win in the College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T.
In the bowels of University of Phoenix Stadium, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, whose backstory is a sort of inspiring fairy tale itself, sat down before reporters in downbeat fashion, something that no one had seen during a 17-game winning streak dating back to last season.