Reporting from GLENDALE, Ariz. — The trademark defense that Alabama rode to the College Football Playoff championship game did not dominate on Monday night against Clemson.
Turns out, it did not need to.
The Crimson Tide put on an offensive show and the special teams overwhelmed in a 45-40 victory at University of Phoenix Stadium that gave Coach Nick Saban his fourth national title at Alabama in seven years.
“We didn’t always play pretty in this game,” Saban said. “It probably wasn’t one of our best games when it just comes to flat execution. But when it comes to competing and making plays when we needed to make them, it was probably as good as it gets.”
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry rushed into the Alabama record book with 158 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Jake Coker and tight end O.J. Howard played pitch-and-catch, combining for two long touchdown pass plays and another that nearly resulted in a score.
And the special teams lived up to their name: Alabama blocked a field-goal attempt and perfectly executed a daring onside kick, and Kenyan Drake returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
It all added up to what Alabama will claim as its 16th national title.
The Crimson Tide (14-1) survived an electric performance by Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Heisman finalist passed for 405 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 73 yards.
“There were a few plays we didn’t really capitalize on, and I missed some throws,” Watson said. “We dropped some balls and just had some miscues . . . and it’s hard to beat a team like Alabama if you make those mistakes.”
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Confetti falls as the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban hoists the College Football Playoff national championship trophy after defeating Clemson.
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Alabama tight end O.J. Howard scores a 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry celebrates after defeating the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban, left, talks to Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney after the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama kick returner Kenyan Drake (17) dives into the end zone as he runs back a kickoff for a touchdown during the second half.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker celebrates after Derrick Henry’s fourth quarter touchdown.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson runs the ball during the second half.
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Heisman Trophy finalists Derrick Henry, left, of Alabama and Deshaun Watson (4) of the Clemson Tigers speak after the game.
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This Heisman Trophy winner is built like a Greek God, and might be the biggest tailback to enter the draft in a decade. He’s the type of runner who wears down defenses, but he’s a long-strider who runs high, which hints he might not last long in the NFL because he’s a hard target for defender to miss.
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Clemson receiver Artavis Scott celebrates after scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
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Clemson’s Jordan Leggett (16) catches a touchdown pass in front of Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison during the second half.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker celebrates after Derrick Henry’s touchodwn in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
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Clemson running back Zac Brooks (24) runs past Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick during the second half.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart look on during the second half.
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Alabama’s O.J. Howard (88) makes a 51-yard touchdown reception during the second half.
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Alabama kick returner Kenyan Drake (17) dives into the end zone as he runs back a kickoff for a touchdown during the second half.
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Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley misses a catch in the end zone in the fourth quarter against Clemson defensive back Adrian Baker.
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Alabama kick returner Kenyan Drake returns a kickoff 95 yards for a score in the fourth quarter of the NCAA championship game.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson reacts after being defeated by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship game.
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Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett falls to the ground after making a catch in the second half.
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Alabama tight end O.J. Howard catches a 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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Alabama running back Kenyan Drake (17) celebrates with tight end O.J. Howard after Howard’s second touchdown catch.
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Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey catches an onside kick during the second half.
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Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley can’t catch a pass during the second half.
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Clemson’s Dorian O’Daniel reacts to a play in the third quarter.
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Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) celebrates after recovering an onside kick during the second half.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson runs the ball in the third quarter.
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The Saints need a cornerback who has size to match up against the bigger receivers in the NFC. Humphrey moves fluidly for a 6-foot cornerback, and has quick enough feet to play the nickel spot. The Saints might also trade this pick back to New England for cornerback Malcolm Butler, who signed his restricted free agent tender this week. Team needs: CB, S, LB, WR
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Clemson receiver Artavis Scott attempts to catch a pass in the end zone during the third down, but Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison separates the ball.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs the ball in the second half.
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At a shade under 6-6 and 242 pounds, Howard looked like the prototypical NFL tight end at the Senior Bowl. He’s an impressive athlete with decent speed and lateral agility. The Alabama standout is as polished as college tight ends come. While the Dolphins do have a pending deal for Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas, Howard would give Miami a dynamic tight end duo, and his blocking would allow the Miami to let Dion Sims, an in-line blocking specialist, leave as a free agent.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry, center, dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half.
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Alabama offensive lineman Josh Casher (67) leads the team onto the field after halftime.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow misses a catch in the thrid quarter against Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
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Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) catches a pass with Alabama defender Daylon Charlot pulling him down in the second half.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson runs the ball in the third quarter while Alabama defender Da’Shawn Hand (9) pursues.
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Alabama defenders D.J. Pettway (57) and Eddie Jackson (4) celebrate after a blocked field goal attempt.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) gets tackled in the second half by a gang of Clemson defenders.
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Alabama tight end O.J. Howard catches a 53-yard touchdown in the third quarter as offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin celebrates.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson runs the ball while Alabama defensive back Geno Matias-Smith pursues during the 2016 national championship.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban celebrates after O.J. Howard’s touchdown catch in the third quarter.
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Clemson receiver Artavis Scott attempts to catch a pass in the end zone during the third down, but Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison separates the ball.
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Dodd has impressive size (6-foot-5, 277 pounds) and long arms, which hints he could be a good defensive end in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. But he’s only been productive for one college season, and will be 24 as a rookie in the NFL.
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There have been three wide receivers to claim the Heisman Trophy in the 81 year history of the award with the last winner coming in 1991 (Michigan’s Desmond Howard). Howard finished that season with just 985 receiving yards but he finished with 1,869 all-purpose yards as a return specialist for the Wolverines. Ridley was the second-leading receiver in the SEC last season with 1,045 yards but he wasn’t used in Alabama’s return game. That could change with the departures of Kenyon Drake and Cyrus Jones.
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Alabama tight end O.J. Howard scores a 53-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
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The Clemson Tigers prepare to take the field prior to the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Clemson defensive lineman Shaq Lawson sacks Alabama quarterback Jake Coker (14) in the second quarter.
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Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney argues a call with the referees during the first half.
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Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley leaps over a Clemson defender in the second quarter.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates a touchdown with defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson.
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Alabama defensive back Eddie Jackson intercepts a Deshaun Watson pass in the second quarter.
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Clemson defensive lineman Shaq Lawson (90) celebratess alongside Carlos Watkins (94) after a sack by Lawson in the second quarter.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker reacts after getting sacked by Clemson’s Shaq Lawson in the second quarter.
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Clemson kicker Greg Huegel (92) has his second quarter field goal attempt tipped at the line of scrimmage.
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Lawson, who contributed 20 sacks in his three seasons at Clemson, has a strong bull-rush and a knack for chasing players down from behind. However, there are some concerns about his playing weight and commitment to his conditioning.
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Clemson receiver Artavis Scott (3) makes a catch in the first half.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson celebrates after throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow in the first quarter.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates with his offensive linemen after scoring a 1-yard touchdown.
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Alabama receiver Richard Mullaney (16) runs after making a catch during the first half.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow celebrates a touchdown catch with teammate Jordan Leggett (16) during the first half.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates after his second touchdown of the first half.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban, right, watches during the first half.
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Clemson defender B.J. Goodson (44) grabs the face mask of Alabama running back Derrick Henry to pull him down.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker throws the ball against the Clemson Tigers.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates after running for a touchdown during the first half.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) celebrates with ateammate Germone Hopper (5) after scoring his second touchdown.
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Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) runs during the first half.
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Clemson defensive lineman Shaq Lawson (90) celebrates after sacking Alabama quarterback Jake Coker during the first half.
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Alabama receiver Richard Mullaney catches a pass in front of Clemson defensive back Jayron Kearse during the first half.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow catches an 11-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
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Alabama place kicker Adam Griffith misses a field goal during the first half.
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Alabama kicker Adam Griffith (99) reacts after missing a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter.
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Alabama defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates after his interception during the first half.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow catches a touchdown pass in front of Alabama defenders Minkah Fitzpatrick and Eddie Jackson during the first half.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow celebrates with his teammates after scoring a 31-yard touchdown from Deshaun Watson in the first quarter.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass in the first quarter.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow celebrates with his teammate Charone Peake after scoring a 31-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
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Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow catches a 31-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
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Alabama’s Derrick Henry runs for a touchdown during the first half.
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Clemson’s T.J. Green (15) tackles Alabama’s O.J. Howard (88) during the first half.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry celebrates after scoring on a 50-yard touchdown run during the College Football Playoff championship game on Jan. 11.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson tries to get away from Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen during the first half.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs for a 50-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
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Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley runs during the first half.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry scores on a 50-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
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Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander stops Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley during the first half.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban runs on the field with running back Derrick Henry before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson tries to fire up the crowd before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker throws during the first half.
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The Clemson mascot cheers during the first half.
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Players watch the coin toss before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Clemson and Alabama.
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Clemson’s Ben Boulware (10) celebrates during the first half.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker hikes the ball in the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Singer Ciara sings the national anthem prior to the start of the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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The American flag is held during the national anthem prior to the start of the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs for a 50-yard touchdown in the first quarter as Clemson safety Jayron Kearse can’t make the tackle.
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Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws during the first half.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry scores a 50-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
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Alabama running back Derrick Henry warms up prior to the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against the Clemson Tigers.
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Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks with running back Derrick Henry in the hallway prior to the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban looks on prior to the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against the Tigers.
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Players warm up before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Clemson players huddle before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against Alabama.
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Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin walks on the field before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against Clemson.
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The College Football Playoff national championship trophy is seen on the field before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin looks on prior to the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama quarterback Jake Coker warms up before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against the Clemson Tigers.
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Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart on the field before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Clemson fans cheer before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Clemson and Alabama.
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Alabama Coach Nick Saban, left, talks to Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney before the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Clemson players huddle before taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game.
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Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, right, walks on to the field before the start of the 2016 College Football Playoff championship game against Clemson.
(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images) Watson’s performance was not good enough to beat an Alabama team that was on a mission after losing to eventual champion Ohio State in the semifinals last season.
Saban had said that the Crimson Tide had “sort of participated in the game” and wanted to “make a statement and do something special.”
The Crimson Tide did that and gave Saban, who won a Bowl Championship Series championship at LSU in 2003, his fifth national title, one fewer than legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant.
Clemson (14-1) was trying to win its first title since 1981 and to become the first Football Bowl Subdivision team to win 15 games in a season.
The Tigers sacked Coker five times and held several leads but could not hold off the Crimson Tide.
“There’s no doubt we’ll be back,” Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney said. “It won’t be 34 years before we’re going to be back, I guarantee you that.”
From the outset, the game was a showcase for Heisman winner Henry and Heisman finalist Watson.
Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin had utilized Henry largely as a decoy in the Tide’s 38-0 Cotton Bowl victory over Michigan State.
But Henry ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns in 20 carries in the first half. Defensive back Eddie Jackson set up one of the touchdowns with an interception.
Watson passed for two touchdowns in the first half, which ended with the score tied, 14-14, and set the stage for an exciting finish.
Coker’s 53-yard touchdown pass to Howard early in the third quarter put Alabama ahead, but a field goal and Wayne Gallman’s touchdown run gave Clemson the lead, 24-21.
An Alabama field goal tied it, 24-24, before the game’s key play — the onside kick.
Adam Griffith kicked off short and into the air toward the Clemson sideline. Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey leaped and caught the ball to give the Tide possession.
“I felt at the time we needed to so something to change the momentum of the game,” Saban said of the decision to try what he called a “pop” kick. “If we didn’t get it, they’d have got the ball on the 45- or 50-yard line, so it’s not really like it would have been the end of the world, but it was worth the risk I felt.”
Two plays later, Coker hit Howard for a 51-yard touchdown and a 31-24 lead.
“A huge momentum play,” Swinney said of the kick.
Howard caught five passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns, and afterward said, “Coach Saban is going to go down as one of the greatest of all time.”
Clemson answered Howard’s second touchdown with a field goal to cut the lead to four points, but Drake returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
The teams traded touchdowns and Clemson pulled to within 45-40 on Watson’s final scoring pass, but the onside kick went out of bounds.
The victory marked the end of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s run at Alabama. He can now turn his full attention to beating Alabama as head coach at Georgia.
Kiffin fully resurrected a career that hit its low point when he was fired by USC Athletic Director Pat Haden after a 2013 loss at Arizona State.
Alabama rebounded from a loss to Mississippi to win nine straight games heading into the SEC championship game against Florida, and dispatched the Gators to advance again to the semifinals.
Alabama was matched against Michigan State, where Saban coached before going to LSU and Alabama.
The Crimson Tide’s dominating 38-0 rout put Saban in position to win his fifth title.
gary.klein@latimes.com
Twitter: @latimesklein
