On Monday, Jan. 7, history was made within the college football realm. Two undefeated teams who completely dominated their conferences went head to head in the championship game for the third time in four years. It was here that Clemson University, ranked No.2, beat the top-ranked University of Alabama by a score of 44 to 16.

The Clemson Tigers came out hot on defense as they began the game with a pick six for an early 7-0 lead. From then on it was a bloodbath.

Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban and sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, punched back with two early touchdowns. However, a missed field goal and two turnovers from Saban’s offense shook the team’s confidence and most of the momentum was on Clemson’s side Clemson led Alabama 31-16 going into halftime and came out with this same energy level in the second half, ultimately shutting out the Crimson Tide in a remarkable title game loss.

Clemson was led by Trevor Lawrence, a first-year quarterback who was first in college football history not only to start in a college football championship game, but win it as well. As Clemson fans and the majority of college football fans who rooted for the underdog against Alabama were in excitement throughout the game, the Crimson Tide was left in question and distraught by the big performance from Clemson’s quarterback and their defense. Clemson went into the game missing Dexter Lawrence, a big part of their defensive line.

“They did outplay us, I’m not going to lie,” said Guilford Football Defensive End and Alabama fan Christian Steele. “We weren’t ready, obviously.”

The statistics support Steele’s statement that Alabama was definitely not prepared for the performance that Clemson brought.

“If I can do it, if these Clemson Tigers can do it, then anyone can do it,” said Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney after the game ESPN, “As long as you have a belief and surround yourself with players who are passionate about winning, anything is possible.”

As history was made, many fans of football were still left in shock as to why Alabama was defeated so easily by Clemson. Despite being the top-ranked team in the College Football Playoffs, they were dominated.

“I was kind of upset and irritated because I know they could play better than that,” said first-year and Alabama fan Jonnie Mode. “We were outplayed mentally and physically, and we came in with a big head because we have so many college football championships. We just lost it.”

Teams are already preparing for next season to see if they can knock off the Clemson Tigers.