So much for drama. Alabama and Clemson rolled over their opponents in the second half Thursday and barreled their way into college football’s national title game.
Alabama, the nation’s second-ranked team, routed No. 3 Michigan in the Cotton Bowl 38-0. The 13-1 Crimson Tide will face the 14-0 Tigers on January 11 for the national championship.
After one quarter, it appeared Alabama and Michigan State would be locked in a defensive battle. But the Tide rode quarterback Jake Coker, who passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns, to 38 points in the final three periods and a lopsided victory.
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry had two touchdowns and 75 yards rushing.
Top-ranked Clemson rallied from a one-point halftime deficit to race past No. 4 Oklahoma with three touchdowns after intermission.
Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson passed for 187 yards and rushed for 145. He had one passing touchdown and one rushing.
But Clemson’s defense was the star of the Tigers’ 37-17 win, holding the Sooners to 67 yards rushing, a mere 28% of their usual output for a game.
