Clemson beats Alabama 35–31 and takes the College Football Belt
The 5th reign for the program; it ends Alabama’s 79-day reign of 6 defenses.
Clemson took the lineal College Football Belt on January 9, 2017, beating Alabama 35–31 at a neutral site in the postseason. It is reign 298 in the belt’s history, which starts with Rutgers over Princeton in 1869, and the 5th for Clemson.
Alabama had held it since October 22, 2016: 79 days and 6 defenses.
Clemson last held the belt in 2012, 1,832 days before this one; that reign lasted 31 days with 0 defenses.
The reign lasted 277 days and 6 defenses, ending October 13, 2017 against Syracuse.
The game
Clemson's offense controlled the tempo and field position throughout the National Championship Game, accumulating 511 total yards despite two turnovers, while Alabama's defense struggled to generate consistent pressure. Alabama's ground game had early success with Bo Scarbrough punching in touchdowns, but the Crimson Tide managed only 376 yards and converted just 2 of 15 third downs. Clemson's…