Clemson dominated Alabama in the first half of Monday’s National Championship Game. Thanks to Trevor Lawrence and Justyn Ross, the second half started the same way.
With Clemson deep in its own territory, Lawrence tossed an off balance pass to a wide open Ross. Deionte Thompson then lost his balance, allowing Ross to take off for a 74-yard touchdown.
Saivion Smith goes down hurt on this play which allows Justyn Ross to score. pic.twitter.com/cFauJ0UZcR
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) January 8, 2019
Replays showed how Ross got that open. His man, Alabama corner Saivion Smith was injured on the play and fell to the ground. Smith was carted off of the field.
The touchdown was especially painful for the Tide. They had driven into Tigers territory on the opening possession of the third quarter, but were stopped short on a fake field goal. Additionally, with Clemson facing a third-and-eight, Alabama had the chance to get the ball back in decent field position.
It was not meant to be.
The PAT was missed. But the touchdown put Clemson up 37-16.