GLENDALE, Ariz. — No. 2 Alabama won its fourth national title in the past seven seasons, outlasting the dynamic play of Deshaun Watson and No. 1 Clemson in a 45-40 victory on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game.
The Crimson Tide (14-1) became the second team in college football’s poll era, dating to 1936, to win four titles in seven seasons.
Alabama joins Notre Dame, which won four titles from 1943 to ’49. For Alabama coach Nick Saban, it is his fifth national championship, leaving him only one short of former Tide coach Bear Bryant for the most in the sport’s history.