<P> The 13 -- 1 Alabama Crimson Tide won the game , holding off the undefeated Clemson Tigers 45 -- 40 in the fourth quarter . Accompanied by a talented receiving corps , Clemson 's Heisman Finalist quarterback Deshaun Watson had a historic performance , setting the record for most total yards in national championship game history , with 478 yards ( 405 passing / 73 rushing ) against the nation 's third - ranked defense in Alabama , breaking the record previously set by Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl . Following the game , the AP Poll also named Alabama as its top team of the season , giving Alabama their fourth title in seven seasons . Both Clemson and Alabama finished the season 14 -- 1 . </P>
<P> The 13 -- 1 Alabama Crimson Tide won the game , holding off the undefeated Clemson Tigers 45 -- 40 in the fourth quarter . Accompanied by a talented receiving corps , Clemson 's Heisman Finalist quarterback Deshaun Watson had a historic performance , setting the record for most total yards in national championship game history , with 478 yards ( 405 passing / 73 rushing ) against the nation 's third - ranked defense in Alabama , breaking the record previously set by Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl . Following the game , the AP Poll also named Alabama as its top team of the season , giving Alabama their fourth title in seven seasons . Both Clemson and Alabama finished the season 14 -- 1 . </P>
who won the 2016 ncaa football national championship
who won the 2016 ncaa football national championship
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide