Top 10 college football teams of the decade

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney and Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) celebrate the win after the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson won the game 35-31. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 5: 2016 Clemson Tigers

After being bested by Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the end of the 2015 season, the Clemson Tigers got a rematch at the end of the 2016 season. And the Tigers were able to get their revenge in the process.

Clemson had a slow start to the year, managing to squeak past multiple inferior opponents by slim margins. But Clemson kept winning. And then the Tigers, challenged by Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals, started to show their potential as they outscored one of the most thrilling offenses in the country.

Clemson kept winning, clearing just about every hurdle thrown its way until Pitt somehow complicated things. The Panthers upset the Tigers, introducing a little chaos into Clemson’s season.

Clemson bounced back following the loss, defeated Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game, and then made its way into the playoffs.

Once in the College Football Playoffs, the Tigers played up to their full potential and shut out the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl 31-0. Then, against Alabama, the Tigers played one of the most captivating national title games of the decade.

Clemson came out on top 35-31 and won the national title.

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