CFB Championship: Road to the championship

The much-anticipated Camping World Kickoff between Bama and Louisville in Orlando turned out to be a dud. Alabama led 28-0 at halftime and dominated on both sides of the ball. Tua Tagovailoa was 12-of-16 for 227 yards and two scores, while a host of runners totaled 222 yards rushing and three scores on the ground.

The Tigers kicked off the season was an easy win over Furman. Kelly Bryant completed 11 of 17 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown through the air as well as on the ground. True freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence added 137 yards passing and three touchdown passes.

The Crimson Tide celebrated their home opener with a big win over Arkansas, leading 40-0 at halftime. Tagovailoa went 13-of-19 for 228 yards and four touchdowns. Najee Harris led the team's running backs with 135 yards rushing.

Clemson held a 28-13 lead over the Aggies going into the fourth quarter and were able to hold them off despite Kellen Mond's 430 yards passing and three touchdowns. Kelly Bryant threw for 205 yards and one score, as well as one rushing touchdown. Trevor Lawrence also threw one touchdown pass.

Ole Miss has caused trouble for Alabama in recent seasons, but that certainly wasn't the case this year. Both Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns, and the Crimson Tide defense held the Rebels to only 248 total yards.

Clemson didn't have much trouble defending Georgia Southern's rush-heavy attack, holding the Eagles to only 140 total yards. The Tigers had 309 yards on the ground and four scores, led by Travis Etienne's 162 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Alabama got its first legitimate challenge of the year versus Texas A&M but still won easily, leading 31-13 at halftime. Tagovailoa had a career day, finishing 22-of-30 for 387 yards and four touchdowns.

Lawrence came off the bench for Clemson to complete 13 of 18 passes for 176 yards and four touchdowns against the Yellow Jackets. Clemson also had 248 yards rushing after a slow start.

The ultra-efficient Tagovailoa was a perfect 8-of-8 passing as Alabama cruised to another win. Alabama led 56-0 going into the fourth quarter and held Louisiana to 288 total yards.

Clemson got a major scare from Syracuse after Lawrence was knocked out of the game due to injury, but it rallied from a 16-7 halftime deficit. Backup quarterback Chase Brice was 7-of-13 for 83 yards, and Etienne was the offensive star of the game with 27 carries for 203 yards and three touchdowns.

Alabama's defense didn't have its best day at Arkansas, but it was still another easy victory for the Crimson Tide. Tagovailoa continued to be efficient, going 10-of-13 for 334 yards and four touchdowns. Damien Harris also had 111 yards rushing and two scores.

With Lawrence back from injury, Clemson took out the previous week's frustrations on Wake Forest. Lawrence was an efficient 20-of-25 for 175 yards and two scores. The Tigers also featured three 100-yard rushers, finishing the year with 40 carries for 471 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Etienne led the way with 10 carries for 167 yards and three touchdowns.

Missouri's acclaimed offense was held to only 10 points, as Alabama held the Tigers scoreless after the first quarter. Tagovailoa had 265 yards passing and three scores, including an 81-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy.

Alabama had an easy time at Tennessee, getting off to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter. Tagovailoa threw four touchdowns to four different receivers, and Josh Jacobs ran for two scores.

Clemson had no trouble against the 16th-ranked Wolfpack, as Lawrence had another dominant performance. He finished 26-of-39 for 308 yards and one touchdown, while Etienne rushed for three scores. The Tigers defense held NC State to 297 total yards.

Florida State was embarrassed at home against the Tigers, trailing 28-0 at halftime. Lawrence had his way, completing 20 of 37 passes for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Amari Rodgers was his most productive receiver with six catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

Bama's dominance over LSU continued this season with a shutout on the road. The Tigers were outgained 576 to 196, as Tagovailoa threw for 295 yards and two scores, and Damien Harris rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown.

One week after beating Florida State by 49 points, the Tigers continued their onslaught of the ACC. Clemson rushed for 492 yards and five touchdowns, with three 100-yard rushers for the second time in 2018.

Alabama notched its second consecutive shutout, making quick work of a ranked Mississippi State squad. The defense held the Bulldogs to only 169 total yards, and Josh Jacobs rushed for 97 yards and one score.

Clemson's defense put the clamps down on Boston College, allowing a total of 113 yards in another rout. Lawrence was the Tigers' offensive star with 295 yards passing and one touchdown pass.

While the final score was lopsided, The Citadel and Alabama went into halftime tied 10-10. The Crimson Tide woke up in the second half, and Tagovailoa finished the game 18-of-22 for 340 yard and three touchdowns.

Duke led the Tigers 6-0 after the first quarter, but it didn't take much longer for Clemson to wake up. Lawrence was 21-of-38 for 251 yards and two touchdowns, while Etienne had nine carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

Alabama led the Iron Bowl 17-14 at halftime before turning it on in the second half. Tagovailoa threw five touchdowns against Auburn's defense.

Clemson continued to dominate rival South Carolina, scoring 14 points in all four quarters. Lawrence was 27-of-36 for 393 yards and one touchdown, and the Tigers scored seven touchdowns on the ground. Etienne led the team in rushing with 150 yards and two scores.

Alabama won another SEC Championship, a comeback victory, led by backup quarterback Jalen Hurts. The former starter came on in relief of Tagovailoa, who struggled and injured his ankle. Hurts was able to complete seven of nine passes for 82 yards and one score, adding one more touchdown on the ground. Alabama came from behind for the second straight time versus Georgia, closing a 28-14 third quarter deficit due in large part to Hurts' heroics.

Clemson won its fourth straight ACC Championship after a dominant performance versus Pitt. Lawrence had trouble passing on a rainy evening, but Etienne rushed 12 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Tee Higgins also had two touchdown receptions.

Alabama's offense was able to outscore Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray to advance to the CFP Final. Tagovailoa returned from an ankle injury to have a nearly perfect day, finishing 24-of-27 for 318 yards and four touchdown passes. Damien Harris added two rushing touchdowns.

Even without star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Clemson closed the door on Notre Dame's offense in the CFP Semifinal. Notre Dame gained only 248 yards, while the Tigers got huge offensive performances from Lawrence, Etienne and Justyn Ross.