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Clemson pulls away in 2nd half to seal Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson is off to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The Tigers used a strong running game, and a dominant second half to defeat Oklahoma 37-17 in the Orange Bowl.

Oklahoma took a 17-16 lead into halftime, but the Clemson defense came up huge in the second half, intercepting Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield twice while pitching a shutout for the final two quarters.

Clemson will take on No. 2 Alabama for the national title.

Here's What You Need to Know:

  • Clemson advances to its first national championship game since 1981.
  • The Tigers have now won 51 consecutive games when leading after three quarters.
  • Mayfield was intercepted multiple times for the first time since Week 2 against Tennessee, and finished 26-for-41 with 311 yards and one touchdown.
  • Oklahoma running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon both left the game with injuries.
  • Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson finished 16-for-31 with 187 yards and one touchdown, while adding 145 yards and one score on the ground. He's now rushed for over 100 yards in five of his last six games.
  • Watson's performance earned him offensive MVP of the game, while Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware won on the defensive side.
  • Tigers running back Wayne Gallman rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, as Clemson set a new school record for rush yards in a bowl game with 312.
  • Oklahoma freshman receiver Mark Andrews set a Sooners' freshman record for touchdown receptions in a season with seven.
  • Clemson star defensive end Shaq Lawson injured his knee in the first quarter, and only played in two drives.
  • In both Oklahoma losses this season, the Sooners rushed for exactly 67 yards.

Play Of The Game

Momentum began to swing in Clemson's favor after head coach Dabo Swinney elected to utilize the trick play portion of the playbook. Tigers punter Andy Teasdall threw a perfect pass to defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, which was quickly followed up by a Watson touchdown.

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