College Football: 25 most unforgettable games of the 21st century
By Phil Poling
No. 21: Clemson vs. Alabama, Jan. 7, 2019
Alabama Crimson Tide fans won’t appreciate this game too much, mainly because they were on the wrong end of a beatdown, but that’s what makes it one of the most unforgettable of the 21st century. The Clemson Tigers being good wasn’t a surprise and the Crimson Tide losing wasn’t a huge surprise either. But it’s the way that it happened to Alabama that won’t soon be forgotten.
The Crimson Tide forced a Clemson three-and-out on their first possession, but the Alabama offense wouldn’t do any better. After a pair of completions on first and second down, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception.
The worst part? Clemson’s A.J. Terrell returned it for a touchdown. Without Alabama’s feared defense even on the field, Clemson drew the first blood. Tagovailoa linked up with Jerry Jeudy for a 62-yard score to answer, but something just didn’t feel right for Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
Each offense scored another touchdown in the first quarter, but instead of a 14-14 tie heading into the second, Clemson led after a botched PAT attempt by Alabama. The Tide would grab their only lead of the game at 16-14 after a field goal in the second quarter, but that’d be it. Tagovailoa threw another pick and the Tigers caught fire offensively.
Travis Etienne scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, one on the ground and one through the air. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence delivered the one to Etienne, but the signal-caller would do more later to seal the victory for Clemson.
Lawrence delivered on 74-yard and a five-yard touchdown strikes to Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins respectively in the third quarter. He had 347 passing yards for the game in Clemson’s rout of Alabama. Those touchdowns pushed the score to its final of 44-16. The Crimson Tide was once again were knocked from their National Championship perch by the Tigers.