Once again, Deshaun Watson.
Once again, the ACC title.
Once again, Clemson.
Watson led the Tigers to their second straight ACC title Saturday night, and their second straight trip to the college football playoffs. The Tigers, 12-1, had to survive a furious comeback by Virginia Tech to win, 42-35.
Watson threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 85 yards and two more scores to lead Clemson. At one point in the third quarter, the Tigers led 35-14, but they had to make a stop at the end with Virginia Tech driving for the tying score. Cordrea Tankersley intercepted Jarred Evans’ pass on fourth-and-six at the Clemson 23.
Evans threw for 264 yards but threw two interceptions.
“Hats off to Virginia Tech,” said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. “We had a three touchdown lead, then a two touchdown lead. They’re a champion, too. There were two champions out there. We just wanted to be the ones with the trophy at the end.
“I think we’ve got a heck of a football team. We’re going to be a tough out for someone. We fit somewhere. I think we’re a great football team. We’re 25-1 the last two years. We just want an opportunity to compete and see if we can get it done. You’ve got to win your conference first.”
Clemson finds out its playoff seedings today.
