Grading out one of the best national title games in history is going to result in some serious inflation. Oh well. Here are your grades for Clemson’s stunning 35–31 win over Alabama in Tampa on Monday night. It’s a game that won’t soon be forgotten.
Deshaun Watson: A+
He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with one second left in the national title game. That secures an A grade.
Watson was spectacular in the second half despite taking a series of blistering hits over the first 30 minutes. Linebacker Reuben Foster clubbed Watson in the head on the game’s opening drive, the QB couldn’t find enough space to make a big play until a screen pass to wide receiver Deon Cain in the second quarter, and he had to evade a relentless Alabama pass rush that terrorized every offense it faced this season.