1. There are statistics that reveal a larger truth, and there are statistics that mean absolutely nothing. This one’s in the latter category, but it’s so odd it’s worth noting: when Alabama has given up 550 yards or more under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is 3-0. Clemson gained 550 yards in Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T; Auburn gained 630 yards in the 2014 Iron Bowl, a 55-44 Alabama victory; and Texas A&M, led by the reigning Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel, gained 628 yards but fell to the Tide, 49-42, in 2013.

2. Clemson and Alabama came into the game ranked No. 1 and No. 2 according to the College Football Playoff, and No. 1 and No. 2 in the telling defensive category of forcing three-and-outs. The Clemson defense averaged 6.29 per game, with nearly half its opponents’ drives (44.6 percent) ending without a first down. The Alabama defenses numbers were close behind (6.07, 44.0 per game). On Monday night, the Clemson defense got only three three-and-outs in 16 Alabama possessions; Alabama got three in 15.

3. Dabo Swinney's irrepressible enthusiasm is atypical of modern coaches. When the Tigers weren’t winning as much as they are now, Swinney wasn’t taken as seriously. That’s no longer the case. Measure Swinney’s congratulatory response to his players after they fell just short of winning what would have been Clemson’s first national title in 34 seasons. “At least the nation saw tonight why we’ve been so successful,” Swinney said. “... There’s no doubt that we will be back. It won’t be 34 years before we’re going to be back. I promise you that.” The way Clemson played this season, it’s hard to argue.