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With the Clemson Tigers facing a 14-0 deficit in the second quarter, quarterback Deshaun Watson found his rhythm, capping a seven-play, 83-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown run to slice the ‘Bama lead in half.
After running the jet sweep earlier in the game, Clemson used the threat of the perimeter run to help Watson find room on a zone play to the boundary. Running back Wayne Gallman’s block provided the last bit of space for Watson to find the edge and the end zone for the critical score.
The drive only took 1:33 off the clock and was keyed by two big pass plays — a 44-yard completion to Noah Cain and a 26-yard reception down the seam by tight end Jordan Leggett, splitting the safeties in a Cover 2 look.
The score finally got the Clemson crowd and players into the game and stemming the Alabama momentum just as it looked like the nation’s No. 1 team was ready to create further separation.