Clemson Crowned: The Tigers' Historic Run to the National Championship

by The Greenville News, Independent Mail

Overview

Clemson Crowned is inside story of the Clemson's magical 2016 football season and first national championship since 1981, featuring stunning action photography, stories, and analysis from The Greenville News and the Independent Mail. There was no holding back the Tigers in 2016. Clemson's triumph over favored Alabama in Tampa capped a 15-1 season. Behind quarterback Deshaun Watson and a stout defense, Coach Dabo Swinney's team emerged as one of the nation's top teams with statement wins over Auburn and Louisville before topping Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game to earn a spot in the College Football playoff, where they dominated Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl to set up the Championship Game rematch with Alabama. From the numerous close games in September and October to domination in the desert and the ecstacy of the championship celebration in Tampa, Clemson Crowned is the perfect souvenir for any Tigers fan. This commemorative edition also includes profiles of Watson, Swinney, linebacker Ben Boulware, and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781633198302
Publisher:	Triumph Books
Publication date:	01/12/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	42 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Located in the heart of South Carolina's Upstate, The Greenville News is one of the three largest newspapers in South Carolina. It has served the greater good of Greenville and surrounding communities for more than 137 years.  Founded in 1899 as the Anderson Daily Mail, the Independent Mail serves as the hub for local news for Anderson and its surrounding communities in Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia.

Read an Excerpt

Clemson Crowned

The Tigers' Historic Run to the National Championship

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By The Greenville News, Anderson Independent Mail

Triumph Books LLC

Copyright © 2017 The Greenville News and the Anderson Independent Mail
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-63319-830-2

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CHAPTER 1

College Football Playoff National Championship

Clemson 35, Alabama 31

January 9, 2017 • Tampa, Florida

Clemson Fulfills Legacies, Wins National Title

Watson Brings Team Back from the Brink with Huge Play

By Brad Senkiw

Welcome back, "Title Tigers." Welcome to immortality, Dabo Swinney and Deshaun Watson. And welcome to the 2016 national championship.

History was made, legacies fulfilled and a trophy hoisted by Clemson for the first time in 35 years as the Tigers knocked off vaunted Alabama 35-31 on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium when Watson found Hunter Renfrow for a 2yard touchdown pass with one second remaining.

"Eight years ago, our goal was to work our tails off and eventually get Clemson back on top," said Swinney, who joined Danny Ford as the only Clemson coaches to capture national titles. "Tonight, that's a reality. It truly is. The paw is flying on top of the mountain tonight."

Clemson said all week it had to beat the best to be the best. Alabama, which had won four national titles since 2009, certainly represented that. After coming up five points short a year ago, a revenge game for Clemson didn't go the Tigers' way for over three quarters. They trailed for more than 45 minutes.

"We expected to win the game. We expected to win last year," Swinney said. "When we take the field, we expect to win."

And their championship drought ended at the hands of Watson.

"I couldn't have drawn up this scenario," said Watson, who announced he'll turn pro. "It is a blessing that we won this game tonight. I feel fortunate to have been part of this team. This was for all our fans tonight."

The drive that turned the game around for Clemson began with 6:33 left in the game. Mike Williams made a leaping 26-yard grab, and with an unsportsmanlike penalty tacked on, Clemson had first-and-10 at the 16. Watson got it down to the 1-yard line on the next snap, and Gallman scored on a dive into the end zone to give Clemson its first lead of the game at 24-21.

It didn't last long, though. Alabama went 68 yards in six plays and regained the lead on a 30-yard TD run by Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts, but the favored team left 2:07 on the clock.

"We're built for times like this," Watson said. "Let's go finish."

Watson went to work and moved the chains with a 24-yard pass to Williams and a 17-yard toss to Jordan Leggett that got Clemson first-and-goal at the Alabama 9 with 14 seconds to play. A pass interference call put the ball at the 2 with six seconds left.

Watson then took a snap, rolled to his right and there was Renfrow, wide open and sure-handed.

"Just an unbelievable play by Deshaun," Renfrow said. "Artavis Scott did a great job on the outside getting a little rub, and it was an awesome play call by our coaches."

It was a much tougher game for Watson than a year ago, when he amassed 478 total yards and four touchdowns, but it was an even better performance. That big, strong Alabama D-line totaled four sacks and pushed the Tigers' big boys up front around much of the night, but Watson did get enough clean pockets to make some plays.

Watson finished 36-of-56 passing for 420 yards through the air and another 43 yards on the ground. He threw for three TDs with no interceptions and ran for one more score.

"It's my time to go (pro)," said Watson, who already has his degree. "Moments like this I'll never forget. Clemson was the best three years of my life."

Renfrow had 92 yards on 10 catches to go with his historic TD. Williams chipped in with eight receptions, 94 yards and a score. Deon Cain added 94 yards on five catches off the bench to help the offense total 511 yards against the best defense in the country.

The Clemson defense rebounded from a rough start and more than held its own against Alabama's physical running game. The Crimson Tide's one-dimensional offense was 2-for-15 on third downs.

After giving up 143 yards via the ground in the first half, the Tigers kept the Tide under 80 in the second half. It hurt Alabama when Bo Scarbrough, who had 93 yards and two touchdowns, left the game in the third quarter with a leg injury.

"We always miss a guy that's Bo Scarbrough, especially when you want to run the ball and take some time off the clock," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.

Alabama built a 14-0 lead early behind touchdown runs of 25 and 37 yards from Scarbrough. The Tigers finally got on the board on an 8-yard TD run by Watson at the 6:09 mark of the second quarter.

The next points scored didn't come until a 27-yard field goal by Alabama's Adam Griffith early in third quarter that put the Tide up 10.

The Tigers wouldn't go away. They scored on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Renfrow with 7:10 left in the third to cut the lead to 17-14. And after Alabama came right back with a 68-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to tight end O.J. Howard, Clemson answered with a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 4yard TD pass from Watson to Williams that cut the lead to 24-21 with 14:00 to play in the game to set up the late-game dramatics.

"I just am so proud of these players," Swinney said.

Clemson's path to history didn't come easy. The Tigers played eight games, including the last one, that were decided by a touchdown or less. N.C. State missed a field goal that would've beaten Clemson. Pitt dealt the Tigers their only loss of the season, but the hopes and dreams of a title didn't end.

"I can't tell you how humbled, how blessed I am to be a part of getting Clemson back on top," Swinney said. This moment, 35 years and doing something that a lot of people didn't think that we could do."

It only made Clemson hungrier and more focused, and after edging Virginia Tech to capture its second consecutive ACC title and dominating Ohio State 31-0 in the College Football Playoff's Fiesta Bowl, it all came down to one game, one moment and one Watson touchdown.

"Clemson waited 35 long years. It's finally coming home," Boulware said. "It's coming home!"

CHAPTER 2

Watson Rises to the Occasion and Brings Title to Clemson

First National Title Since 1981 Is Sweet for the Tigers

By Dan Hope

In his final act as Clemson's starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson cemented his legacy as the greatest football player in school history.

Watson completed 36 of 56 passing attempts for 420 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 43 yards and another touchdown to lead the Tigers to a 35-31 win over Alabama and Clemson's second national championship.

The Clemson quarterback wasn't great for the entire game – he completed 13 of 23 passes for 153 yards and rushed for only one yard in the first half – but when the game was on the line, Watson was at his best.

Watson completed nine of his final 10 passing attempts, including the game-winning, 2-yard touchdown to Hunter Renfrow with only one second left in the game.

He completed at least three passes to six different receivers, while he engineered four touchdown drives for the Tigers that were longer than 68 yards.

"Maybe now everybody will understand when I tell them Deshaun Watson's the best player in the country," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. "He showed it again tonight on the biggest stage."

Watson's one major flaw over the course of the season was throwing 17 interceptions, but he didn't throw any in the biggest game of the year. His only turnover against Alabama came when he was unable to handle an inaccurate shotgun snap by center Jay Guillermo.

His 420 passing yards was his second-highest total of the season, while his three passing touchdowns and four total touchdowns tied his season-highs.

Watson accounted for all but 48 of Clemson's offensive yards in the game, and became the first Heisman runner-up quarterback to win the national championship since 2005.

This wasn't the first time Watson had a great national championship game performance against Alabama. He threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 73 yards against the Crimson Tide in last year's title game. This time, though, the Tigers came out on top.

Being interviewed by ESPN minutes after the game was over, the Gainesville, Georgia, product could hardly put what he had just accomplished into words.

"I'm speechless," Watson said. "It's not just for me. It's for all the alumni, the fans, my city in Gainesville, my family. It's bigger than just me. This just impacts so many people across the world."

Watson, who graduated from Clemson in December and is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2017 NFL draft, finished his Tigers career with more than 10,000 passing yards, nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 116 total touchdowns. His game-winning touchdown pass, his 41st scoring toss of the year, set the ACC single-season record for touchdown passes.

The two-time Heisman finalist's Clemson career is over, but his accomplishments – none bigger than the national title – ensure he won't soon be forgotten.

Watson said winning the national title was a moment he will never forget.

"Clemson was the best three years of my life," Watson said.

CHAPTER 3

Can Cornhole Keep Clemson Sharp?

Dabo Swinney uses Cornhole to Break Up the Monotony of August Camp

By Mandrallius Robinson • August 10, 2016

The team formed a circle in the middle of the practice field. Two players lined up on opposite ends. They exchanged glares. It had the intensity of an Oklahoma drill, with slightly less contact.

It was a game of cornhole.

The popular beanbag toss variant of horseshoes is a staple of tailgates and backyard barbeques. It normally does not generate the passion it has produced during recent Clemson University football practices.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney turned cornhole from a lighthearted pastime to a motivational tool. He simply raised the stakes.

Clemson's sprawling practice facilities require players to traverse across fields between periods. In Swinney's cornhole tournament, players competed for the privilege to remain on one field throughout the entire practice. It may seem like a small wager, but, under the pressure of an unrelenting practice regimen and the remorseless August sun, any amount of relief is welcomed. The option to shed about 200 yards of jogging off the workload is worth a toss.

On Monday, Swinney playfully critiqued his players' cornhole skills.

"It's been back and forth. We can't seem to get a consistent winner," Swinney said. "Hopefully, in their spare time they'll compete and work on that. Gotta coach 'em up."

Pulling out those wooden boards is a delightful diversion amid the monotonous drudge of August camp. Yet, Swinney hopes it also will reinforce the competitive edge Clemson's lofty goals demand. The tactic fits Swinney, who admittedly is as charged for Family Game Night as he is for the College Football Playoff. His competitive juices are always flowing, but through camp, his players may require an occasional squeeze.

Of course, cornhole is not a definitive indicator of intensity or effectiveness. That arm motion is not going to help a quarterback's touch on third down. It certainly will not assist any tackles. The defense won the cornhole challenge after the stretch period Monday. Yet, on the first play of an ensuing intra-squad scrimmage, it allowed a 99-yard touchdown run.

Swinney was less playful in his critique of that effort.

Nevertheless, Swinney's strategy is shrewd. Through the next six months, the diversions cannot be distractions. The otherwise innocent details require sharp focus, to preserve the team's goals and protect against complacency. For a program in Clemson's position, mental clarity is just as important as muscle dexterity.

Junior quarterback Deshaun Watson is a Heisman Trophy favorite who has graced the cover of recent editions of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. Clemson was voted No. 2 in the Amway USA TODAY Sports preseason coaches poll. The Tigers are expected to end their 10-year losing streak in Tallahassee against Florida State, repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions and return to the National Championship Game.

Clemson never has entered a season with such expectations. The preseason chatter is tempting because it has never been this flattering. If you let widespread conjecture tell it, the Tigers already have reached Tampa. Swinney, his staff and most of his players understand that they have not even reached September. They must be reminded that most of the people talking know very little about what is required to back it up.

Whether it is a toss of a beanbag or an extra period of first-team scrimmages, Clemson must pour all of its competitive juice into its preparation. That can be draining. Thus, Swinney must determine how to replenish the supply and ensure the Tigers will still have enough flowing when the real competition begins.

CHAPTER 4

Clemson vs. Auburn

Clemson 19, Auburn 13

September 3, 2016 • Auburn, Alabama

Clemson Beats Auburn to Start Season Off Right

Offense Wasn't Running on All Cylinders for First Game of the Season

By Scott Keepfer

OK, so Saturday night's – er, Sunday morning's – 19-13 victory against Auburn didn't exactly provide the type of offensive fireworks many Clemson fans expected.

Clemson was held to its lowest point total in 20 games dating back to the 2014 season, and the Tigers failed to post at least 500 yards of offense for the first time in 11 games.

But it wasn't a total washout, either.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday evening that after viewing the game video he was encouraged by several realizations, including:

• The offense had its opportunities. "We had four drops, including three touchdowns," Swinney said. That included two drops by Mike Williams that should have been easy scores.

"He obviously made some huge plays, but there are more than just stats at that position," Swinney said. "He graded about 78 percent, and that's not a winning grade for a wideout. It was his first game in a year, and he did some good stuff, but we've got to get him better."

• Auburn's defense was pretty good. Swinney will feel better if Auburn's defense continues to flex its muscle. "We had some missed plays we didn't finish and weren't as sharp as we want to be, but give Auburn some credit," Swinney said. "They were pretty doggone good defensively." Auburn appeared to have several future NFL players on defense, including defensive tackle Montravius Adams, end Carl Lawson and linebacker Deshaun Davis; that unit may help Auburn make some noise in the SEC.

• The offensive line allowed no sacks. First-time starter Taylor Hearn blended with the unit impressively at left guard and was named the team's offensive player of the game. "He did a really good job," Swinney said. "I'm really proud of Taylor."

• The offense came up big in crunch time. "To take that ball with 3:20 left after they've just scored and have momentum, and we march down the field – that was huge," Swinney said. "It was good to see our guys respond and show some maturity in that situation. That was the sign of an experienced football team with a lot of poise."

Behind Wayne Gallman and Deshaun Watson, Clemson drove 60 yards in 10 plays to take 2:42 off the clock, allowing Auburn only 40 seconds to drive 83 yards. Gallman carried six times for 34 yards on the drive.

Top players

While Hearn was named offensive player of the game, the defensive honor went to sophomore Christian Wilkins who was making his first start at defensive end. Wilkins had six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He also had a fumble recovery, broke up a pass and was credited with a quarterback hurry.

Holder Seth Ryan was named special teams player of the game after plucking a high snap out of the air and placing it quickly on a 40-yard Greg Huegel field goal in the third quarter.

CHAPTER 5

Dexter Lawrence Debuts

Defense Locked and Loaded for Winning Season

By Mandrallius Robinson • September 5, 2016

The advertisements were frequent but brief. They were intriguing but indefinite. They were more teasers than trailers.

We heard hints of praise from Clemson University coaches. We heard intimations of marvel from teammates.

The advertisements did not do the story justice.

Dexter Lawrence is far better than advertised.

We could simply look on the roster and infer that a 6-foot-5, 340-pound freshman defensive tackle would be imposing. We could watch him strolling through stretches before his first practice and observe that he was uniquely nimble.

We could assume he would contribute early and disrupt often.

However, until we could see him swat away blockers like mosquitos at a cookout, until we could see him chase down a quarterback with the agility of an outside linebacker, until we could see him for ourselves, we could not know that the praise and marvel was never exaggerated.

Lawrence's premiere at Auburn University on Saturday night was pure spectacle. He commanded attention at a usually thankless position. He starred in the latest installment of the running series of blockbusters titled "Clemson's defensive line."

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Clemson Crowned by The Greenville News, Anderson Independent Mail. Copyright © 2017 The Greenville News and the Anderson Independent Mail. Excerpted by permission of Triumph Books LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction by Jim Rice,
College Football Playoff National Championship,
Watson Rises to the Occasion and Brings Title to Clemson,
Can Cornhole Keep Clemson Sharp?,
Clemson vs. Auburn,
Dexter Lawrence Debuts,
Clemson vs. Troy,
Ben Boulware,
Clemson vs. South Carolina State,
Wilkins, Lawrence Embracing Roles in 'Jumbo Package',
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech,
Louisville's Lamar Jackson Could Ruin Clemson's Plans,
Dabo Swinney,
Clemson vs. Louisville,
Resounding Win Points Clemson Toward ACC Title, Playoff,
Hunter Renfrow,
Clemson vs. Boston College,
Clelin Ferrell,
Clemson vs. North Carolina State,
Clemson vs. Florida State,
This Is Who You Are, Clemson. Embrace the Anxiety,
Clemson vs. Syracuse,
Clemson vs. Pittsburgh,
Clemson vs. Wake Forest,
Clemson vs. South Carolina,
Deshaun Watson,
ACC Championship Game,
Fiesta Bowl,