Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama beats Clemson 45-40 to win national championship

Published Jan. 12, 2016 12:24 a.m. ET

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GLENDALE, Arizona (AP) No. 2 Alabama won its fourth national title in the last seven seasons, outlasting the dynamic play of Deshaun Watson and No. 1 Clemson in a 45-40 victory 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 back to 1936, to win four titles in seven seasons.

Alabama joins Notre Dame, which won four titles from 1943-49. 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 all-time.

Alabama hit Clemson (15-0) with a barrage of big plays, including four touchdowns of at least 50 yards, and used a surprising onside kick early in the fourth quarter to seize control.

Watson gave the Tide all it could handle, throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns.

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AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org

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