Which ten individual performances in CFP history stand out the most?
The College Football Playoff (CFP) era has witnessed some of the most iconic and unforgettable individual performances in college football history. Since its inception in 2014, the CFP has brought together the nation’s best teams, showcasing incredible talent, thrilling games, and dramatic moments. While the playoff is a team-oriented competition, individual players have often elevated their performances to legendary status, leading their teams to victory in critical moments and leaving lasting legacies.
From dominant performances in the semifinals to clutch plays in the national championship games, the following ten individual performances stand out as some of the most memorable and impactful in CFP history.
1. Deshaun Watson (Clemson) – 2017 National Championship vs. Alabama
In one of the most thrilling national championship games in CFP history, Deshaun Watson delivered a performance that would cement his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. In a rematch of the 2016 title game, Watson was instrumental in leading Clemson to a 35-31 victory over Alabama, delivering the Tigers’ first national championship since 1981.
Watson threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with just one second left on the clock. His poise and accuracy under pressure were remarkable, as he faced an Alabama defense that had been dominating all season. Watson’s performance not only earned him the game’s MVP honors but also solidified his place in Clemson history and helped propel him to the NFL as a first-round pick.
2. Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) – 2019 Orange Bowl vs. Alabama
Oklahoma’s quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered one of the most impressive individual performances in CFP history during the 2019 Orange Bowl semifinal against his former team, Alabama. Hurts, who had transferred to Oklahoma after losing the starting job to Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama, was given the opportunity to face his old squad in a high-stakes matchup.
Hurts accounted for over 500 total yards of offense and four touchdowns, leading the Sooners to a 45-34 victory over the Crimson Tide. His 287 yards passing and 118 yards rushing were pivotal in Oklahoma’s offensive explosion, and his leadership on the field was evident. Hurts’ ability to perform at such a high level on the biggest stage of his career was a testament to his skill, mental toughness, and ability to thrive under pressure.
3. Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State) – 2014 CFP National Championship vs. Oregon
In the inaugural College Football Playoff, Ezekiel Elliott delivered a performance for the ages in Ohio State’s 42-20 victory over Oregon for the national championship. Elliott rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries, including a series of dominant runs that put the game out of reach for the Ducks.
Elliott’s combination of speed, power, and vision was on full display, as he was virtually unstoppable in the second half of the game. His performance helped propel Ohio State to the title, marking the beginning of the CFP era and establishing Elliott as one of the premier running backs in college football. The dominance he exhibited in this game solidified his place as one of the most outstanding players in CFP history.
4. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – 2019 CFP National Championship vs. Alabama
In the 2019 national championship game, Trevor Lawrence produced one of the most dominant performances by a quarterback in CFP history. As a freshman, Lawrence led Clemson to a 44-16 victory over Alabama, throwing for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
Lawrence’s performance was marked by his calm demeanor, poise, and exceptional accuracy. He completed 20 of 32 passes, with no interceptions, against an Alabama defense that had been one of the best in the country. His ability to perform at such a high level on the biggest stage of college football was a preview of the greatness that was to come in his career. Lawrence’s dominant play led Clemson to their second national title in three years, making him the first freshman quarterback to win a national championship since 1985.
5. Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) – 2018 CFP National Championship vs. Georgia
In one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in CFP history, Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench in the 2018 national championship game to lead Alabama to a stunning 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia. Tagovailoa entered the game after Alabama starter Jalen Hurts struggled in the first half and immediately made his presence felt.
Tagovailoa threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns, including a 41-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Devonta Smith in overtime. His performance was nothing short of heroic, as he helped Alabama overcome a 13-point deficit in the second half to force overtime. Tagovailoa’s ability to stay calm and execute in such a high-pressure situation, as a true freshman, was a defining moment in his career and a highlight of the CFP era.
6. Kenjon Barner (Oregon) – 2012 Rose Bowl vs. Wisconsin
Though the College Football Playoff didn’t begin until 2014, the Rose Bowl remains one of the most iconic games in the history of college football. Kenjon Barner was instrumental in Oregon’s 45-38 victory over Wisconsin in the 2012 Rose Bowl, one of the most exciting games in recent memory.
Barner ran for 170 yards and a Rose Bowl-record four touchdowns, showcasing his explosive speed and playmaking ability. His performance in the backfield helped Oregon maintain a high-scoring, fast-paced offense that left Wisconsin’s defense in the dust. Barner’s performance was one of the best individual showings in bowl game history and remains one of the best all-around performances in the sport.
7. Derrick Henry (Alabama) – 2015 CFP National Championship vs. Clemson
In the 2015 national championship game, Derrick Henry put together a truly unforgettable performance, running for 158 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama’s 45-40 win over Clemson. Henry’s performance was a showcase of his combination of size, strength, and speed, as he powered his way through Clemson’s defense.
Henry was named the game’s MVP, and his performance helped Alabama secure its fourth national championship in seven years under Nick Saban. Henry’s dominance in the running game was the focal point of Alabama’s offense, and his ability to take over the game in the second half was a testament to his exceptional talent. His success in the national championship also helped solidify his place as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
8. Clemson’s Defense (2018 CFP National Championship vs. Alabama)
While individual offensive performances have dominated the CFP spotlight, Clemson’s defense had one of the most outstanding collective performances in the 2018 national championship game. The Tigers’ defense was a key factor in their 44-16 victory over Alabama, stifling the Crimson Tide offense and keeping them from finding any rhythm throughout the game.
Led by standout players like Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, and Dexter Lawrence, Clemson’s defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage, making life difficult for Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts and preventing big plays. They sacked Hurts three times and intercepted him once, forcing Alabama to punt on several key drives. The performance was a testament to the power of Clemson’s defense, and it helped the Tigers secure their second national championship in three years.
9. Joe Burrow (LSU) – 2020 CFP National Championship vs. Clemson
The 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship saw one of the most dominant quarterback performances in history from Joe Burrow of LSU. Burrow led LSU to a 42-25 victory over Clemson, throwing for 463 yards and five touchdowns while completing 31 of 49 passes. His performance was marked by his composure, precision, and the ability to make big throws in critical situations.
Burrow’s performance was the culmination of a remarkable season, one in which he set multiple records, including the single-season touchdown record. His playmaking ability, especially under pressure, helped LSU win its first national championship in 2007. Burrow’s performance in the national championship game earned him the title of the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and firmly cemented his place as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history.
10. Kyler Murray (Oklahoma) – 2019 CFP Orange Bowl vs. Alabama
In the 2019 Orange Bowl, the College Football Playoff semifinal, Kyler Murray delivered a performance for the ages in Oklahoma’s high-scoring, 45-34 victory over Alabama. Murray threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns and added 17 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Murray’s performance was exceptional not only for his passing and rushing but also for his leadership in the high-pressure environment of the CFP semifinal. His ability to make plays with his legs, extend plays, and keep the offense moving helped Oklahoma take down a talented Alabama team. Murray’s performance in this game is considered one of the best by a quarterback in the CFP, and it helped propel Oklahoma to a place in the national championship game.
