It’s been more than a month since Clemson surprised the world and trounced Alabama in the College Football Playoff national championship. Clemson winning wasn’t shocking — Alabama was the favorite, but by 5.5 points. What was surprising was how Clemson dominated the Crimson Tide, 44-16.



Before Alabama was mauled by the Tigers, the Crimson Tide’s secondary had allowed 187.6 passing yards and 1.3 touchdown passes per game. Then true freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence passed for 347 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.



To get to the national championship game, Clemson dominated Notre Dame 30-3. Before Notre Dame was mauled by the Tigers, the Fighting Irish secondary had given up an average of 198 yards and a total of seven touchdown passes in 12 games. Lawrence passed for 327 yards and three touchdowns without an interception against them.



His favorite target during the Playoff run was fellow true freshman Justyn Ross.