College Football Playoff semifinal superlatives

This was the play that started it all and spelled out the beginning of the end for Notre Dame. The teams were tied at three with Clemson driving down the field when quarterback Trevor Lawrence dropped an absolute dime (one of many the 19-year-old freshman QB threw Saturday) into the waiting hands of fellow freshman wide receiver Justyn Ross for a 52-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 9-3. Why only nine you ask? Well Greg Huegel’s kick was blocked by Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery’s outstretched hand, leaving the Tigers with only six points to show for their effort. But the momentum gained on this score was game-changing.

Best Hair: Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence

It’s not even a contest; it's just a well-known fact: Clemson’s freshman quarterback has the best hair in college football. Lawrence’s locks are long and flowing, much like his arcing tosses. He led his team to a definitive 30-3 victory — finishing 27-of-39 for 327 yards and three touchdowns. He also had seven carries for a total of six yards. Did I mention he threw zero interceptions? His perfection extends behind his hair follicles. 

Most Dramatic: Alabama head coach Nick Saban 

Despite being in possession of a 28-10 lead over Oklahoma, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was unhappy. He showed it by ripping his headset off and throwing it angrily on the ground. The reason for his distress: three costly penalties that stalled a Crimson Tide first-half drive. Angry Saban had this to say to ESPN’s Maria Taylor: 

“Our last offensive possession? We got three penalties. We killed ourselves. We had the ball at the 1-yard line. We could’ve scored a touchdown. We have to keep playing. When you are playing against a team like this, there is no scoreboard. You have to play for 60 minutes, and you got keep playing because they can score fast.”

Most Extra: Oklahoma wide receiver Charleston Rambo 

The redshirt freshman from Texas not only boasts the best name but also posted one of the best touchdowns Oklahoma had all night. The 49-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray looked like it might spur a Sooners comeback, but ultimately the Tide shut it down — scoring two more touchdowns before calling it a night. Rambo finished the night with three catches for 74 yards averaging 24.7 yards per catch. The future is bright for this young buck. 

Best Use of Trickery: Clark the Bald Eagle

This one doesn’t go to the quarterbacks in either game, who took a combined 13 sacks.

The trickiest creature in this contest wasn't on the field at all as it was a trained eagle named Clark who was supposed to fly around the stadium during the national anthem and then return nicely to his handler. But Clark decided to ride the wave and land on several unsuspecting fans before his trainers got him under control. Some people took this as a sign that luck (and America) was on the Irish's side. But Clark wasn't quite the soothsayer we believed him to be — just another hell-raiser.

Most Valuable Passer: Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa 

The Crimson Tide rolled fairly neatly over the Oklahoma Sooners Saturday night to the tune of 45-34. Tagovailoa threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns — going a nearly perfect 24-of-27 to four different 'Bama receivers. Tua and the Tide now seek their sixth national title in the past decade. They have a chance to finish 15-0, which hasn't been done by a top team since Penn State in 1897. Tua will also attempt to aid his coach in winning his seventh national title, breaking the record he currently shares with legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant. 

Best Finesse: Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins

Possibly the best, smoothest catch of the night came from the Tigers sophomore receiver. This 19-yard grab would be the sleekest DM-slide you have ever seen. Higgins juggled the ball before clutching it tightly to his chest with one hand. As he gripped the ball, he did a little lean-with-it, rock-with-it move solidifying his finesse status. Higgins finished with four catches for 53 yards while averaging 13.3 yards per catch.