The 13–1 Alabama Crimson Tide won the game, holding off the undefeated Clemson Tigers 45–40 in the fourth quarter. Accompanied by a talented receiving corps, Clemson's Heisman Finalist quarterback Deshaun Watson had a historic performance, setting the record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards (405 passing / 73 rushing) against the nation's third-ranked defense in Alabama, breaking the record previously set by Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl.[4][5][6] Following the game, the AP Poll also named Alabama as its top team of the season, giving Alabama their fourth title in seven seasons.[7][8]Both Clemson and Alabama finished the season 14–1.
