from Glendale, Ariz. — Early in the fourth quarter of a deadlocked Southern dust-up Monday night, Alabama’s stoic boss man lost his mind.
He ordered his team to attempt to kick the football to itself.
The game was tied, a college football championship was at stake, and Alabama’s curled-lip curmudgeon decided this was the perfect time to play a trick.
An onside kick? Really? Really.
The Alabama popup was perfect, the Clemson kids were perfectly fooled, the ball was recovered by Alabama, the momentum was lost by Clemson, and Alabama stunningly blew open a tie into a 45-40 victory in the College Football Playoff championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
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Cue the twangy bass. Get those big wheels turning. Change that chorus, if only for a night.
Sweet Home Nick Saban.
Before describing how the Crimson Tide ultimately washed over an inspirationally game group of Clemson Tigers — who fought the inevitable down to the last dozen seconds — can we just get this game’s most compelling takeaway first?
Nick Saban is now the best coach in college football history.
He shows no emotion, he tolerates little fun, he seemingly invented the sideline snarl. Yet he has arguably celebrated more big wins than anyone ever, with five national titles, second only to Alabama predecessor Bear Bryant, who won six in an era without true championship games.
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Saban is so Teflon that, even after being dumped with Gatorade by his giant linemen Monday night, he looked bone dry. Yet he has controlled his program with such passion, he has now won four undisputed titles in his last seven years at Alabama, a streak that will probably never be matched.
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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.
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.
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Saban is always so tight that during a postgame interview Monday two of his players massaged his shoulder as if attempting to loosen him up even after a championship. But he was the first coach to win championships at separate schools, and he is on a roll of eight consecutive 10-win seasons at his current school. Pete Carroll owned college football at USC, and even he had only seven consecutive 10-win seasons.
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“He’s the best I’ve ever seen, and he’s proven that time and time again,” said Alabama quarterback Jake Coker. “Special coach, special person, he does everything the right way.”
In leading his NFL preparatory school to 12 straight wins after an early-season loss to Mississippi, Saban finished this season in a flourish early in the fourth quarter after the Crimson Tide had tied the game on a field goal at 24-all.
There were barely 10 minutes left in the game. Clemson had been unstoppable at times on offense en route to 550 total yards, and couldn’t wait to get the ball back.
And then came the kick, a blooper by Alabama kicker Adam Griffith that soared outside of Clemson’s tightly packed return line and was caught unimpeded by Marlon Humphrey at midfield.
The players on the Alabama sideline erupted in gleeful hopping and arm-waving. The players on the Clemson sideline quietly stared out at the field as if they had just witnessed a wreck.
Dabo Swinney, the Clemson coach, was wringing his cap in hand and screaming while, in what was surely the most amazing part of the play, Saban just stood there and smiled.
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Later, Saban said, “They did what they had to do to win … and I’m smiling.”
Meanwhile, Swinney shook his head and said, “That was a huge, huge play in the game. I felt we had all the momentum. We were confident where we were. It was a huge play.”
Saban admitted afterward that he felt his defense was tiring and he needed to do something to keep it on the sideline. He knew an onside kick was a swing for the fences, but he felt he didn’t have a choice.
“When the other team squeezes the formation like that, we call the ‘pop kick,’” Saban said. “I made the decision to do it because the score was [24-24] and we were getting tired on defense, and if we didn’t do something to take a chance and change the momentum of the game, we wouldn’t have a chance to win.”
The risk immediately paid championship dividends. Two plays later, Coker found a wide-open O.J. Howard deep for a 51-yard touchdown pass to give Alabama the lead.
Then, after Clemson responded with a field goal, the upheaval in this game’s narrative became complete when Alabama’s Kenyan Drake returned a kick 95 yards for a touchdown that gave the Crimson Tide an 11-point lead and proved to be a dagger.
Yeah, call it one of the most important onside kicks in college football history and football’s biggest since the New Orleans Saints used one to launch themselves to a Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts in 2010.
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In risking his reputation to give his team a chance, Saban showed his greatness, and Alabama mirrored his resilience.
Folks thought they were done after the loss to Mississippi, and they weren’t. History said they were done when they started the final 15 minutes trailing by three points Monday — Clemson had won 51 straight games when entering the fourth quarter with a lead — but they overcame it.
And, yeah, OK, everyone give it up for the guy with the guts to bring Lane Kiffin back to college football. Kiffin was surprisingly hired by Saban two years ago after he flamed out as the USC head coach, and everyone said Saban was crazy, but who looks crazy now?
Kiffin, after all, was at his offensive-coordinating best on Monday night, with Alabama converting half of its third downs, often with misdirection plays or surprise passes.
The offensive player of the game, Howard, a tight end who had 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns? He had not caught a touchdown pass this season, and had but 210 receiving yards in nine Southeastern Conference games. It was yet another surprise from a guy who began the night with a confession.
“I’ve been waiting 10 years and seven days for this,” Kiffin said to Times reporter Gary Klein.
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Kiffin was referring to his involvement in USC’s national title game against Texas in 2006, when he was part of the questionable play-calling that led to the Trojans’ defeat.
That bit of history was wiped away for Kiffin on a night when history clearly descended on Saban.
“I’ve never thought too much about all that,” Saban said. “Most of my appreciation lies with the players.”
On this night, finally, that appreciation should go to him. Unless he leaves for the NFL, fans from USC can see this greatness for themselves next fall in Dallas. As if anyone needs reminding, the Trojans will open the season against Nick Saban and Alabama.
Bill Plaschke, an L.A. Times sports columnist since 1996, is a member of the National Sports Media Hall of Fame and California Sports Hall of Fame. He has been named national Sports Columnist of the Year nine times by the Associated Press, and twice by the Society of Professional Journalists and National Headliner Awards. He is the author of six books, including a collection of his columns entitled “Plaschke: Good Sports, Spoilsports, Foul Balls and Oddballs.” Plaschke is also a panelist on the popular ESPN daily talk show, “Around the Horn.” He is in the national Big Brothers/Big Sisters Alumni Hall of Fame and has been named Man of the Year by the Los Angeles Big Brothers/Big Sisters as well as receiving a Pursuit of Justice Award from the California Women’s Law Center. Plaschke has appeared in a movie (“Ali”), a dramatic HBO series (“Luck”) and, in a crowning cultural moment he still does not quite understand, his name can be found in a rap song “Females Welcome” by Asher Roth.
