Ranking every College Football Playoff team in history

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney holds up the National Championship trophy after the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball during the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers on January 9, 2016, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Clemson Tigers – 2016

Result: National Runners-up (Lost to Alabama, 45-40)

Deshaun Watson and Dabo Swinney is enough to have any team in the mix near the top when it comes to ranking the best college football teams. The quarterback and head coach for the Clemson Tigers were absolutely able to make magic on the field time and again, and did so to the tune of a perfect regular season in the 2015-16 campaign. Unfortunately, that regular season unbeaten streak didn’t extend to the National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium as they faced Alabama.

There’s no question that it was a back-and-forth affair between Clemson and Alabama the first time that they met for the College Football Playoff. However, it was ultimately the grinding style of the Crimson Tide that proved to be too much after a wild fourth quarter. While the Tigers led by a field goal going into the final period, Alabama simply couldn’t be stopped whenever they touched the ball, time and again putting points on the board until they’d locked up the victory.

When comparing this team to the one that won the title the following season, it’s not hard to see where they improved. Not only did Watson get Mike Williams back at receiver, but the defense also made upgrades as young talents like Christian Wilkins and several others were able to take their roles as leaders up front. As such, this was a great Clemson team, but not their best of the CFP era.