20 memorable photos from the CFP National Championship

Clemson is the national champion, emerging from an epic title-game rematch against Alabama with the victory the Tigers were unable to attain last season.

It's only fitting that such an incredible final should produce some incredible photos, so here are 20 of the most memorable moments:

Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban exchange words prior to the game.

Apparently Saban told a good one.

The Tigers take the field wearing their road white jerseys.

Smoke and flames for both teams as they hit the field.

Bo Scarbrough gave the Tide an early edge, exploding for a 25-yard TD run and a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Swinney wasn't going to leave the national title game without making sure the officials knew he was there.

Late in the first quarter, Tanner Muse gave Clemson a spark with a partially blocked punt.

But the Tigers couldn't capitalize and Alabama responded with another Scarbrough TD and a 14-0 lead.

Deshaun Watson was roughed up early and often as the Alabama defense did its best to leave him feeling as uncomfortable as possible.

But Watson wasn't giving up, and with an 8-yard TD run in the second quarter, he cut the 'Bama lead in half.

Turnovers have been a problem all season for Clemson, and Wayne Gallman's fumble on the first possession of the second half, recovered by Ryan Anderson, looked like a sign of things to come.

Remember the Alabama defense taking it to Watson? He went for a helicopter ride in the third quarter.

A familiar foe struck late in the third quarter, as O.J. Howard - hero of last year's title game - extended the Tide lead with a 68-yard TD catch.

Bad news for Alabama as Scarbrough was forced to leave the game with a leg injury, and with him went the Crimson Tide running game.

A spectacular Mike Williams catch got the Tigers going in the fourth.

Watson would not be denied. He gave up his body and dove for the end zone, which led to a Gallman touchdown run and a 28-24 lead for Clemson with under five minutes to go.

Jalen Hurts would respond for Alabama, though, with a sensational 30-yard TD run, and the Tide was back on top with just over two minutes to go.

In the end, Watson found Hunter Renfrow from 2 yards out for the go-ahead score with just one second left on the clock.

Clemson would recover the ensuing kick and run out the clock, claiming its first national title since 1981 with a 35-31 victory.

For Swinney, finally reaching the mountain top was a joyous moment, and he celebrated by holding the national championship trophy as if it were a newborn child.