College Football Playoff: Ranking every team in playoff history

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 12: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a 33 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Clemson finally got its moment they were waiting for to round out the 2016 campaign, when Watson found wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to take the National Championship. But, this is the closest National Championship Game we’ve seen since FSU defeated Auburn in the last BCS Title Game.

That would be why Clemson is the lowest-ranked National Champion on this list (until the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship plays out). Watson got the right end to his tenure with Clemson, with a heroic performance in the win.

This Swinney-coached team had all sorts of talent all over the place. From a top-notch receiving corps led by Renfrow and Mike Williams, to a star-laden defensive line with players like Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant, Clemson deserved this National Championship.

It would have been nice to see Clemson be a bit more competitive to end the 2017 season, but that is what it is. At least the Clemson faithful got to see the best player in program history go out on a positive note in his final game.

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