Give it up for Alabama, the national champion in college football for the fourth time in seven years. The Southeastern Conference has claimed the honor five times, with Auburn claiming the prize in 2012.

One of the best national championship games in recent memory. Clemson amassing great respect for the Atlantic Coast Conference, positioned to claim the title until an onside kick in the fourth quarter transferred momentum over to Alabama, the 45-40 winner.

Clemson's Memorial Stadium awaits Louisville football team in 2016.
Clemson’s Memorial Stadium awaits Louisville football team in 2016.

Clemson, returning as many as 17 starters on offense and defense, will more than likely enter 2016 as the No. 1 team in the pre-season polls. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was a candidate for player honors this season, will be a prohibitive favorite to win Heisman Trophy honors.

Yes that Clemson, the team that only managed to beat a young University of Louisville team by 20-17 in the second game of the season at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

UofL kicker John Wallace had missed a 38-yard field goal attempt with 2:28 to go that would have tied the game. Quarterback Kyle Bolin had a pass intercepted at the Clemson 3-yard line at the 1:12 mark that could have won the game for Louisville.

The conference schedule for 2016 has yet to be announced but Louisville will play at Clemson next season. The Cardinals will be returning 19 starters from a team that won eight of its last 10 games, including a convincing 27-21 win over Texas A&M in the Music City Bowl.

Could be a good opportunity for Lamar Jackson to showcase his considerable abilities, making his own case for Heisman Trophy honors.

Can’t wait.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

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