Smart was hired as the head coach at the University of Georgia in early December, but Alabama’s former defensive coordinator juggled both duties as the Crimson Tide prepared to take on Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship in early January.
Alabama defeated Clemson 45-40 that night in Glendale, but Watson shredded the Crimson Tide’s vaunted defense. Watson almost single-handedly ruined the final game coached by Smart under ‘Bama head coach Nick Saban.
Heading into the contest, many national analysts suggested that Watson would have to have a Vince Young-esque performance if the Tigers were to knock off Alabama.