Last night, the second annual College Football Playoff ended in a 45-40 victory for the Alabama Crimson Tide, giving Nick Saban his 5th National Title, and is 4th in 7 years.

Whether fans wanted it or not, this game was centered on the headline “SEC vs. The World”. For years the SEC has been considered the best conference in football by far. Not only has the SEC been considered premier conference, but the ACC has been considered by many one of the weaker conference in football. Due to this belief, the 14-0 #1 Clemson Tigers of the ACC were considered an underdog to the dynasty that is Alabama. While most number 1 teams feel the pressure to win, Clemson was feeling a different kind of pressure; they were carrying all of the ACC’s credibility and prestige into a game that could shift the tides of the Power-5 Conferences.

After both teams had blow-out wins in their playoff openers, they worked hard in practice and enjoyed the many benefits of playing in the National Championship, such as Media Days, Banquets, games, and tours. But as game day came closer, the 2 teams focused in. On the 3rd drive of the game, Heisman winner Derrick Henry put on display his skills, as he rushed for a total of 59 yards on the drive, including a 50 yard touchdown run. But the man who finished 3rd in the Heisman voting, Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson, stormed back and gave Clemson the 14-7 lead by the end of the 1st quarter with 2 touchdown passes. After another Derrick Henry rushing touchdown, the game was all tied up at 14 going into halftime.

Alabama’s OJ Howard scored on 53 yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jake Coker on their first possession of the second half, but Clemson withstood the surge and went into the 4th quarter with a 3 point lead. After tying the game with 10:34 left in the game, the mastermind himself Nick Saban decided to attempt a 15 yard pooch kick to keep the momentum—a risky and unorthodox call. Sure enough, with 10:34 left, Alabama recovered the pooch kick, which led to a touchdown drive, giving Alabama the momentum they needed to finish the game. After a Clemson field goal cut the lead to 4, standout running back and return man Kenyan Drake returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to all but seal the deal. Clemson had a chance with around 4 minutes remaining to cut the lead to 3, but after a failed 2-point conversion, Alabama drove 75 yards, capped off by yet another touchdown run by Derrick Henry, sealing the game, and the championship.

The battle of conferences proved yet again that the SEC is the best. To the dismay of many, the dynasty at Alabama continues, and the ownership of college football still belongs to the SEC. As for Clemson, this season was one to remember, they just weren’t quite ready to get over the hump. But look for Dabo and company to be in the exact same position next year, except maybe next time they will be able to fend of the mighty SEC.