What Is 2016 CFP National Championship Game

Overview

The 2016 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game marked the conclusion of the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It featured a highly anticipated matchup between the undefeated No. 1 Clemson Tigers and the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide, both of whom advanced through the semifinal games held at the end of 2015.

This championship game was the second edition of the CFP format, which replaced the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to create a more competitive path to the national title. The game drew national attention due to the contrasting styles of play and the high-powered offenses led by star quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Jake Coker.

• January 11, 2016 was the official date of the game, held at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
• The final score of 45–40 made it the highest-scoring CFP National Championship game at the time, showcasing explosive offensive performances from both teams.
• Alabama entered the game 13–1, having defeated Michigan State 38–0 in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, while Clemson was 14–0 after beating Oklahoma 37–17 in the Orange Bowl.
• Alabama quarterback Jake Coker threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard touchdown pass to O.J. Howard late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
• Running back Derrick Henry of Alabama rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns during the regular season as part of a Heisman Trophy-winning campaign, though he was held to just 36 yards in the final.

How It Works

The College Football Playoff system determines the national champion through a four-team single-elimination tournament, with selections made by a committee based on performance, strength of schedule, and other criteria.

• Selection Committee: A 13-member panel evaluates teams weekly and releases rankings; the top four teams qualify for the playoff. The committee met throughout the 2015 season to determine the final matchups.
• Semifinal Rotation: The two semifinal games rotate among six major bowl sites; in 2015, the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl hosted the CFP semifinals on December 31.
• Championship Site: The national title game location is predetermined; for 2016, it was held at University of Phoenix Stadium, which also hosted Super Bowl XLIX the prior year.
• Team Eligibility: Only FBS teams are eligible, and conference champions receive priority consideration. Both Clemson and Alabama won their respective conference titles—ACC and SEC.
• Game Format: The championship is a single game with standard NCAA rules, including four 15-minute quarters and standard overtime procedures if needed; this game ended in regulation.
• Contractual Agreements: The CFP has a 12-year agreement with bowl sites and networks; ESPN holds exclusive broadcast rights, with 8.5 million viewers watching the 2016 final.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key performance metrics from the 2016 CFP National Championship Game:

Despite Clemson outgaining Alabama in total and passing yards, the Tigers committed two turnovers, including a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. Alabama’s balanced attack and disciplined play-calling under Nick Saban proved decisive in the final minutes.

Why It Matters

The 2016 CFP National Championship Game had lasting implications for college football, cementing Alabama’s modern dynasty and highlighting the competitiveness of the new playoff format.

• Alabama claimed its 16th national title overall, extending its lead as the winningest program in FBS history.
• The game solidified Nick Saban’s legacy, giving him four national championships in seven seasons at Alabama.
• Deshaun Watson emerged as a national star, finishing second in Heisman voting and later becoming a top NFL draft pick.
• The close score disproved notions of SEC dominance, showing that ACC teams could compete at the highest level.
• Viewership and advertising revenue for the CFP continued to grow, with ESPN earning over $70 million in ad sales for the broadcast.
• The game’s excitement helped boost interest in future CFP matchups, contributing to record-breaking attendance and TV ratings in subsequent years.

This championship remains a benchmark for thrilling finishes and offensive firepower in the playoff era, remembered for its dramatic swings and high-stakes drama.