Alabama dominates Clemson in Sugar Bowl to advance to National Championship

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers Monday night in dominating fashion to win the Sugar Bowl. The win allows Alabama to advance to their third straight College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they will square off with a fellow SEC team. The Tide will battle the Georgia Bulldogs for the CFP title next Monday night.

The notorious Alabama defense showed up and showed out, allowing just six points, which came on two field goals. They also picked off Clemson QB Kelly Bryant twice, including Mack Wilson’s 18-yard pick six. Clemson was never able to get into any kind of rhythm offensively, as they were held to just 124 passing yards and 64 rushing by the Crimson Tide’s suffocating defense.

Tide QB Jalen Hurts went 16-of-24 for 120 yards and 2 TDs, along with 40 yards on the ground. The outing earned him offensive MVP honors, while the game’s defensive MVP award was given to Bama defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne. Payne not only had an interception, but was also on the receiving end of one of Hurts’ passing touchdowns.

The Sugar Bowl may not have been as exciting as the other semifinal game in Pasadena, but Alabama’s dominating defensive effort ensured them a date with Georgia in Atlanta for the second All-SEC title game in college football history.