While chaos has reigned around them in the College Football Playoff chase, the #1 Clemson Tigers have remained steady while running their way through the ACC. They kept that going on Saturday night despite some late controversy, securing a CFP berth with a 45-37 title game win over the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels.
Clemson QB Deshaun Watson was his normal spectacular self, throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns along with running for 127 and two scores in a career-defining performance. Rocketing up the Heisman Watch charts over Clemson's 13-0 start, Watson has the Tigers just two wins away from its first national title since 1981.
It appeared the Tigers had the game salted away after they built a 42-23 advantage with an 11-play, 80-yard drive in the early fourth quarter. However a two-yard TD run by UNC RB Elijah Hood and a 17-yard TD connection between QB Marquise Williams and WR Ryan Switzer cut Clemson's lead to 45-37 and gave North Carolina (11-2) second life.
An ensuing onside kick attempt went awry as UNC was flagged for an offsides penalty that nullified a Tar Heels recovery. Clemson would recover the next attempt and Deshaun Watson would finish things off with a four-yard run on a 3rd-and-3 to keep Clemson's undefeated run intact and send them to the national semifinals.
The College Football Playoff final four is now all but officially set. Clemson will join Big 12 champion Oklahoma, SEC champion Alabama and Big Ten champion Michigan State in college football's championship showcase. North Carolina, on the other hand, will likely drop out of New Year's Six contention barring something unforeseen.
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