My first love is Clemson but I went to Alabama. I was decked out in all Orange but just can't hate my school. For them to play each other in the Natty was the best and worst situation for me, but I knew how much this game would mean to Clemson and I wanted it bad for the Tigers. Heck... if Alabama want another NC, they can just claim another obscure one like they have several times already. This win would mean so much more to Clemson.
What a game. The atmosphere was electric. Just insane. Fans were fantastic from both sides. I didn't see one incident of nastiness. There may have been a few more Clemson fans overall, but it was close to even.
What was different was the game. why it was different? Clemson. They came to play. They came to prove a point.
Alabama is rough, physical and disciplined. So is Clemson. The entire game - on both sides of the ball - Clemson had a punchers chance. Momentum was solidly in Alabama's hands on several occasions and Clemson just took it - yes took it - back. Why "took it"? Because they can. They're good enough.
One of my last thoughts as time ran out was that we can put to bed the assertion that Clemson couldn't handle playing in the SEC. PLEASE...