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 pick to put together another impressive performance in a big game, as the Tigers topped the Buckeyes, 31-0, in front of 71,269 fans.
"We were at our best on the biggest stage. I'm happy for all these fans that traveled out to Arizona to see the Tigers," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "Just a complete team effort. ... Back-to-back playoffs, back-to-back national championship appearances. Hopefully we can finish this year."
Ohio State entered Saturday night averaging 43 points per game before Urban Meyer was shut out for the first time in his career as a head coach.
The Tigers owned the line of scrimmage, finishing with 11 tackles for loss and holding Ohio State to only 215 total yards.
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.
"We've got the best player in the country in No. 4, and he showed that again tonight," Swinney said.
Clemson built a 17-0 halftime lead as Greg Huegel hit a first-quarter field goal, Watson scored on a 1-yard run late in the first quarter, and Watson found C.J. Fuller out of the backfield for a 30-yard touchdown just before the half.
The Tigers added to their lead late in the third quarter with Watson's second rushing touchdowns, this time from seven yards out.
Running back Wayne Gallman capped the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run early in the fourth period after Van Smith picked off a J.T. Barrett pass in the end zone and returned it 86 yards. Cordrea Tankersley added an interception for the Tigers.
"I'm really proud of our staff and so happy for Clemson nation and our fans," Swinney said.
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 in the Peach Bowl semifinal game.
