5 Things We Learned During the College Football Playoff National Championship Game

By Timothy Downs

Clemson vs. Alabama is in the books, and there’s a ton to digest. Here’s a look at five things we learned from the festivities.

5 Things We Learned During the College Football Playoff National Championship Game
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5. Deshaun Watson Is Virtually Unstoppable

Deshaun Watson Is Virtually Unstoppable Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Many college football specialists were convinced prior to the game that Alabama's stout defense would be able to contain Deshaun Watson and limit his chances of creating scoring plays. Instead, Watson threw for 405 yards and four TDs, to go along with 73 rushing yards. If he can perform at that level against Alabama, Watson can do so against anyone.

5. Deshaun Watson Is Virtually Unstoppable

Many college football specialists were convinced prior to the game that Alabama's stout defense would be able to contain Deshaun Watson and limit his chances of creating scoring plays. Instead, Watson threw for 405 yards and four TDs, to go along with 73 rushing yards. If he can perform at that level against Alabama, Watson can do so against anyone.

4. Derrick Henry In A League Of His Own

Derrick Henry In A League Of His Own Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Henry ran roughshod over Clemson, tallying 158 rushing yards and three TDs. Most NFL Draft scholars have Henry falling to the second round this spring, but he clearly possesses first-round talent. He will be an incredibly fun player to watch on Sundays.

4. Derrick Henry In A League Of His Own

Derrick Henry ran roughshod over Clemson, tallying 158 rushing yards and three TDs. Most NFL Draft scholars have Henry falling to the second round this spring, but he clearly possesses first-round talent. He will be an incredibly fun player to watch on Sundays.

3. Jake Coker Is Underrated

Jake Coker Is Underrated Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously, the aforementioned Derrick Henry has been everyone's darling as far as Alabama's offense goes over the past six months. However, QB Jake Coker had a solid season playing second-fiddle (3,110 passing yards, 21 passing TDs, eight INTs) and showed up when Alabama needed him the most against Clemson (335 yards, two TDs) after having a rough first half. Whether he's selected at the very end of the 2016 NFL Draft or signs with a team afterward, he'll have a better career at the next level than many are anticipating.

3. Jake Coker Is Underrated

Obviously, the aforementioned Derrick Henry has been everyone's darling as far as Alabama's offense goes over the past six months. However, QB Jake Coker had a solid season playing second-fiddle (3,110 passing yards, 21 passing TDs, eight INTs) and showed up when Alabama needed him the most against Clemson (335 yards, two TDs) after having a rough first half. Whether he's selected at the very end of the 2016 NFL Draft or signs with a team afterward, he'll have a better career at the next level than many are anticipating.

2. Special Teams As Important As Ever

Special Teams As Important As Ever Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Two of the biggest plays of this game happened on special teams. Kenyan Drake's 95-yard kick return in the middle of the fourth quarter halted Clemson's momentum after they scored to bring the game within four (31-27). Prior to that, after an Alabama field goal tied the game at 21-21, head coach Nick Saban decided to try an onside kick early in the fourth quarter, which was recovered and ultimately led to a O.J. Howard touchdown two plays later. The importance of special teams can't be overstated.

2. Special Teams As Important As Ever

Two of the biggest plays of this game happened on special teams. Kenyan Drake's 95-yard kick return in the middle of the fourth quarter halted Clemson's momentum after they scored to bring the game within four (31-27). Prior to that, after an Alabama field goal tied the game at 21-21, head coach Nick Saban decided to try an onside kick early in the fourth quarter, which was recovered and ultimately led to a O.J. Howard touchdown two plays later. The importance of special teams can't be overstated.

1. Hunter Renfrow Is Legit

Hunter Renfrow Is Legit Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
After seeing what he accomplished in front of a nation last night against Alabama (seven receptions, 88 yards, two TDs), it's hard to believe Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow originally walked on to the team. The redshirt freshman is legit and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him at Clemson.

1. Hunter Renfrow Is Legit

After seeing what he accomplished in front of a nation last night against Alabama (seven receptions, 88 yards, two TDs), it's hard to believe Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow originally walked on to the team. The redshirt freshman is legit and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him at Clemson.

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