CFP National Championship: Clemson vs Alabama

SI's best photos from the College Football Playoff National Championship rematch between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson.

SI Staff | Jan 9, 2017

CFP National Championship: Clemson vs Alabama /

CFP National Championship: Clemson vs Alabama

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson holds the CFP National Championship Trophy following his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Fired up, Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware shouted: "It's coming home, baby! It's coming home!" during the CFP trophy ceremony.

The Clemson Tigers celebrate with the CFP National Championship Trophy following their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney kisses the CFP National Championship Trophy following his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Clemson Tigers celebrate their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is surrounded by confetti following his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Clemson Tigers celebrate their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers tight end Grant Radakovich makes a confetti angel following his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson and head coach Dabo Swinney embrace after their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

A Clemson Tigers helmet rests on the field with confetti following the team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Clemson Tigers celebrate their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney is congratulated by Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

Clemson Tigers tight end Milan Richard celebrates his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney reacts after his team's 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Carter Groomes storms the field with teammates after their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Clemson Tigers celebrate their 35-31 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins celebrates his team's game-winning touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow catches a 2-yard touchdown pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide for a 35-31 lead with one second remaining in the game.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is swarmed by teammates after catching a 2-yard touchdown pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide with one second remaining in the game.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts scores on a 30-yard touchdown run against the Clemson Tigers for a 31-28 lead with 2:07 remaining in the game.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney reacts during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts rushes against the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson leaps and is pushed out of bounds at the 1-yard line of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against the Alabama Crimson Tide, for a 28-24 lead with 4:38 remaining in the game.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a 4-yard touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 24-21, one minute into the fourth quarter.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams celebrates after scoring a 4-yard touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 24-21, one minute into the fourth quarter.

Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman is swarmed by the Alabama Crimson Tide defense.

Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates his 68-yard touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigers with teammate, wide receiver Calvin Ridley, for a 24-14 lead, late in the third quarter.

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson celebrates a play against the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson spins in the air after a hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster.

Clemson Tigers staff hold up signal cards.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow scores a 24-yard touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 17-14, midway through the third quarter.

Clemson Tigers wide receivers Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow celebrate Renfrow's 24-yard touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 17-14, midway through the third quarter.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson passes to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers running back C.J. Fuller gets hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts rushes against the Clemson Tigers.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough rushes against the Clemson Tigers.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts after a play against the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow runs after a catch against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Deon Cain catches a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Anthony Averett.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson looks down the field after being knocked to the ground by the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman rushes against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Rashaan Evans.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart runs after a catch against the Clemson Tigers.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles against the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson rushes for an 8-yard touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 14-7, with 6:09 remaining in the first half.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson celebrates his 8-yard touchdown run against the Alabama Crimson Tide, closing the gap to 14-7, with 6:09 remaining in the first half.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson celebrates his 8-yard touchdown run against the Alabama Crimson Tide with teammate, defensive lineman Christian Wilkins.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough rushes for a 37-yard touchdown, giving the Tide a 14-0 lead against the Clemson Tigers, early in the second quarter.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough scores on a 37-yard touchdown run, giving the Tide a 14-0 lead against the Clemson Tigers, early in the second quarter.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts gets tackled after rushing against the Clemson Tigers.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts rushes against the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman carries the ball out of the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide fans

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough rushes for a 25-yard touchdown against the Clemson Tigers, for a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough rushes for a 25-yard touchdown against Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter, for a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough celebrates his 25-yard touchdown run against the Clemson Tigers with teammates, wide receiver ArDarius Stewart and tight end Hale Hentges.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart gets hit by Clemson Tigers safety Tanner Muse.

Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman slams into Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ronnie Harrison.

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams gets hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson looks to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell celebrates a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Simon Bruty

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts passes against the Clemson Tigers.

The Clemson Tigers kick off to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

(Left to right) Clemson Tigers tight end Shadell Bell, linebacker Ben Boulware, quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end Jordan Leggett take the field prior to the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.