OJ Howard on the “one play that cost us a three-peat” and why he was so exposed against Clemson

In the world of college football, few games stand out as much as the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Clemson. The game was packed with drama, and for Alabama tight end OJ Howard, it marked a career-defining moment. His performance in the game was spectacular, but in a twist of fate, it would also be one that he reflected upon years later, especially after the crushing loss that denied Alabama a third consecutive national title.

The Set-Up: Alabama’s Dominance and the Road to the National Championship

Before the 2016 National Championship game, Alabama had been the dominant force in college football under head coach Nick Saban. They had won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship and were gunning for a third consecutive title — something that had never been done in the College Football Playoff era. With an explosive offense led by quarterback Jake Coker and a defense that boasted future NFL stars, Alabama seemed like an unstoppable machine.

At the center of Alabama’s offense was OJ Howard, a towering figure at tight end with elite athleticism and receiving ability. Howard had the potential to change games with his size and speed, and he had shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. However, in the 2016 season, his involvement in the offense had been somewhat inconsistent, especially in terms of touchdown production. Despite this, Howard was still regarded as one of the most dangerous tight ends in the country — a player who could turn the tide of a game in an instant.

The Explosive Play: Howard’s Key Touchdown Against Clemson

In the second half of the 2016 National Championship game, with the score tied at 14, Alabama needed a momentum swing. That’s when Jake Coker found OJ Howard for a massive 53-yard touchdown pass. It was a moment that seemed to ignite the Alabama offense and give them a crucial lead in the game.

The play was a stunning example of Howard’s unique combination of speed and size. As Coker dropped back to pass, Clemson’s defense appeared to be in disarray, unable to handle Howard’s vertical threat. The coverage was blown, leaving Howard wide open down the sideline. Coker’s throw was perfect, leading Howard into the open field. The tight end didn’t break stride, covering the distance in a flash and walking into the end zone untouched. It was a highlight-reel play and, at the time, seemed like it could be the moment that propelled Alabama to another national title.

Howard’s performance in that game was exceptional. He finished with five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns, making him a key contributor to Alabama’s offense. His first touchdown of the game, a 53-yard bomb from Coker, was a rare explosive moment for Alabama’s offense, which had been more methodical throughout the season. Howard’s ability to break free in such a crucial moment was a testament to his talent and playmaking ability.

The Crushing Reality: The Last Second Loss

However, as often happens in football, the game took a turn that no one could have predicted. Despite Howard’s stunning touchdown, Alabama’s defense was unable to hold onto the lead. Clemson, led by their star quarterback Deshaun Watson, mounted a heroic comeback in the final moments of the game.

With just one second remaining, Watson threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow, giving Clemson a 35-31 victory. The heartbreaking loss was not just a blow to the Alabama players and fans; it was a dagger to the heart of a program that had set its sights on a third consecutive national title. For OJ Howard, a player who had shown up in a major way with his huge performance, the loss was especially painful.

OJ Howard Reflects: “One Play That Cost Us a Three-Peat”

In the aftermath of the game, OJ Howard couldn’t help but think about the one play that, in his eyes, ultimately cost Alabama a shot at a three-peat. The play he was referring to wasn’t a mistake he made, but rather the failure of Alabama’s defense to make the stops it needed at the most crucial moments. While Howard had put his team in a strong position with his explosive touchdown, Alabama’s defense allowed Clemson to march down the field and score the winning touchdown in the final seconds.

In his reflection, Howard spoke about how close Alabama was to cementing itself as a dynasty with a third consecutive national title. But as he watched Watson lead Clemson down the field for the game-winning score, he couldn’t help but think about the opportunities missed. The defense had struggled to contain Watson, and it seemed like the game was slipping away, despite the offensive brilliance of players like Howard.

“That was the play that cost us the three-peat,” Howard said in interviews after the game. “We had the lead, we had the momentum, but we couldn’t finish it out. We couldn’t close it down when it mattered most. The defense didn’t get it done, and it’s hard to watch.”

Why OJ Howard Was So Exposed Against Clemson

Another aspect of Howard’s reflections on that game was his recognition of how he had been exposed against Clemson, despite his big performance. Throughout the game, Clemson’s defense managed to find ways to limit Howard’s impact at certain points, even though he ultimately had a career game. While Howard was able to get open for his touchdown and make some big plays, the game wasn’t without its challenges.

Alabama had struggled against Clemson’s defensive schemes, especially in the first half. Howard’s ability to get open and make plays in the second half was somewhat mitigated by the fact that the Tigers were playing an aggressive defense, often double-teaming him or placing more pressure on him at the line of scrimmage. These tactics led to miscommunications on offense and forced Howard to work harder for every catch.

Moreover, Howard’s lack of consistent production throughout the season meant that Clemson could focus more on shutting down other parts of Alabama’s offense, knowing that Howard wasn’t always the focal point. This gave Clemson’s defense an edge, as they could use their resources to stop the more consistent playmakers on Alabama’s team while giving Howard the attention he didn’t always receive.

The Impact of the Loss on Howard’s Legacy

Despite the loss, Howard’s performance in the 2016 National Championship game cemented his legacy at Alabama. His five receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns are still among the most memorable performances in college football history. His big-game performance demonstrated his ability to step up when the lights were brightest, showcasing his skills as one of the top tight ends in the country.

That game also served as a springboard for Howard’s future, as he would go on to be selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His combination of size, athleticism, and big-game mentality made him one of the most coveted tight end prospects in recent memory.

OJ Howard’s reflection on the 2016 National Championship loss is a reminder of how fragile success can be in college football. Despite his stellar performance in the game, Alabama’s defense couldn’t hold onto the lead, costing them a chance at a third consecutive title. While Howard has gone on to have a successful career in the NFL, that game still lingers in his memory.

For Alabama fans, the 2016 season remains one of the most painful near-misses in their history. The opportunity to achieve something unprecedented — a three-peat national title — slipped through their fingers in the final seconds of the championship game. And for Howard, who was so close to helping his team reach the pinnacle, the heartbreak of that loss will always be a part of his legacy. It was a game of “what-ifs,” with the “one play that cost us a three-peat” forever etched in his mind as the moment that denied Alabama a historic dynasty.