Watson brilliant as Clemson stays unbeaten with ACC championship win

Clemson continued its undefeated season, and essentially wrapped up a spot in the College Football Playoff with a 45-37 win over North Carolina in Saturday's ACC championship game.

Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson was simply outstanding, accounting for an ACC championship game record 420 yards of offense, and five total touchdowns.

Here's what you need to know:

• Watson showed he's the complete package, making a case to bring home the Heisman Trophy. He went 26-of-42 for 289 yards with three touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing for 131 yards and two more scores. It was the fourth time in the last five games Watson rushed for at least 100 yards.
• It wasn't just a one-man effort, however. Tigers running back Wayne Gallman rushed for a season-high 187 yards, added 68 yards through the air, and recorded two total touchdowns. Clemson topped 300 yards on the ground for the second time this season.
• There was a bit of controversy late as, after getting within eight points, North Carolina attempted an onside kick. The Tar Heels recovered the kick, but an offside penalty forced a re-kick. Replays showed the flag was questionable, but Clemson recovered the second kick, and was able to run out the clock.
• One of the main takeaways from the game was to avoid fake punts. Both teams failed on fourth-down attempts, and both of the turnovers on downs led to immediate touchdowns for the opposition.
• Clemson safety T.J. Green was ejected late in the second quarter for targeting after connecting with Ryan Switzer on a helmet-to-helmet hit.
• It's just the second ACC championship for the Tigers since 1991 (2011 being the other), and the 15th ACC title in school history.
• Clemson will now host a celebratory pizza party on Sunday for 20,000 fans, with 2,500 pizzas expected to feed the masses.

Play of the Game

After North Carolina's failed fake punt, the Tigers needed only two plays to reach the end zone, with this gorgeous 35-yard TD pass from Watson to Artavis Scott making it a 35-16 game.

Up next, Clemson will take its talents to the College Football Playoff, while the Tar Heels will find out on Sunday what their bowl destination will be.