By Matt Connolly

The State (Columbia, S.C.)

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Clemson isn’t just a program that had a once-in-a-generation type talent in Deshaun Watson lift them to temporary new heights that were unsustainable.

The Tigers are every bit an equal giant to Alabama in the college football world, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Clemson is back atop the college football world for the second time in three years behind a new cast of characters after dominating the Crimson Tide, 44-16, on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium.

The Tigers controlled the game and were never challenged in the second half as Clemson earned its third football national title in school history in impressive fashion.

Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence passed for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the blowout victory, finding his favorite target on the evening Justyn Ross six times for 153 yards and a score.

Lawrence and Ross put on a show in the third quarter as Lawrence made big time throw after big time throw to the Alabama native Ross, who hauled in circus catches with defenders draped all over him.

Ross had four catches for 129 yards in the third quarter alone, including a pair of one-handed catches for big gains.

Clemson’s defense pitched a shutout in the second half and allowed only three points after the first quarter.

Alabama quarterback and 2018 Heisman winner Tua Tagovailoa was 22 of 34 for 295 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both turnovers resulted in points for Clemson, including a pick six by A.J. Terrell that opened up the scoring in the first quarter.

Tua Tagovailoa (13) of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/TNS)