Greg Logan is a college sports and boxing writer for Newsday.
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It was a moment of self-awareness regarding the stereotype of him as a rigid autocrat whose devotion to what he calls “the process” is unwavering.
Clemson also has the best quarterback in the country, who torched Alabama’s defense for 405 passing yards and four touchdowns, as well as 73 rushing yards. However, this time, Coker had fulfilled his childhood dream of being the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The POTUS congratulated Saban on his fifth title. “It’s good to be an Alabama fan – of course, I still would be no matter what”, Shirley said, clutching a jersey and magazine that he hoped to get autographed.
“I felt like if we didn’t do something to change the momentum of the game that we wouldn’t have a chance to win it”.
Clemson used a 31-yard field goal to get within 31-27, but Alabama kick returner Kenyan Drake carved through the coverage on the ensuing kickoff, taking it 95 yards and stretching out the ball to hit the pylon for a touchdown with 7:31 left. The game wasn’t over.
Ask him to opine on the historical significance of Alabama’s current reign, and Saban said he’s focused on moving forward not looking back.
Ultimately, though, big plays crushed Clemson’s defense. If you get focused on trying to leave early, the only things, you mess up on stuff. With this leading to four touchdowns, Watson’s offense was one touchdown short from winning the game.
DeShaun Watson completed 30 of 47 passes and four touchdowns against one interception, and added 77 yards in 19 attempts on the ground.
Heisman trophy victor Derrick Henry finished the game with 35 carries for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the player of the game for Alabama was O.J. Howard who had five catches for 208 yards and 2 Touchdowns.
Saban said linebacker Reggie Ragland had a second-round grade a year ago and the coach estimated that Ragland made a $12-$14 million decision to stay. “[Watson] is a fantastic player”.
“Those were some great players playing the whole game”.
Lesson learned: True freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick is going to be a great corner or safety for Alabama, but he got exposed Monday night.
And in this case, it was the coach doing his job and having every base covered in case of emergency.
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Alabama made the fourth quarter magical, at one time scoring 17 points in just over three minutes and a total of 24 points while the Tigers scored 16 points in the closing quarter. “But it was calculated on the fact I thought we could execute it, and it was something I knew that we would use in this game if we needed to”. It was coaching by the best in the business.
