GLENDALE, Ariz. _ Clemson walked off the field at University of Phoenix Stadium nearly a year ago wanting nothing more than another chance to beat Alabama for a national title.
The Tigers blew out Ohio State in the same stadium Saturday night to earn their shot.
Clemson's defense dominated Ohio State's offense for four quarters, and Deshaun Watson bounced back from an early interception to put together another impressive performance in a big game, as the Tigers topped the Buckeyes, 31-0, in front of 71,269 fans.
Ohio State entered Saturday night averaging 43 points per game before Urban Meyer was shut out for the first time in his career.
Watson passed for 259 yards and a score and added 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, finding his favorite target Mike Williams six times for 96 yards.
Clemson built a 17-0 halftime lead and put it on cruise control late.
The Tigers (13-1) for the second consecutive season will face Alabama for the national championship. That game will take place Monday, Jan. 9, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. It will be televised on ESPN.
The Crimson Tide (14-0) defeated Washington, 24-7, earlier Saturday in the Peach Bowl semifinal game.
