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Has Clemson ever won a College Football National Championship?

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers fans celebrate during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers fans celebrate during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Have the Clemson Tigers ever won a national title in college football? 

The Clemson Tigers will be facing the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday, January 11th at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale, Arizona for the College Football Playoff National Title in college football. They will be seeking their first College Football Playoff national title, but they have won a national title in football before.

They have won one national title. They won it in 1981 after they were named the national champions by all the major selectors. They beat the No. 4-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers 22-15 in the Orange Bowl. They went 12-0 that season while being coached by Danny Ford.

Clemson’s 19th-ranked scoring offense was led by Homer Jordan. Jordan finished the season with 1,630 passing yards and 486 rushing yards. He had 15 total touchdowns (nine passing and six rushing) while throwing nine interceptions. Their leading rusher was running Cliff Austin. Austin finished the season with 824 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also added two receptions for 18 yards. Their yards from scrimmage leader was wide receiver Perry Tuttle with 904. He had 52 receptions for 883 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

The main reason Clemson won the 1981 national title was because of their defense. They allowed just 8.8 points per game, the fewest in the NCAA. The most famous member of that legendary defense was nose tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry. He and defensive tackles Jeff Bryant Dan Benish formed a trio that no team could run on. Their secondary was led by free safety Terry Kinard, who was a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. Tackles and sacks were not tracked back then, but he led the way with six interceptions. Strong safety Tim Childers had three interceptions and was an important part of the run defense as well.

Clemson has also won numerous conference titles. They have won 21 conference titles, including 15 while in the ACC.

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