Alabama took a 24-14 lead with 1:53 in the College Football Playoff championship game when Howard took advantage of a busted coverage for a 68-yard touchdown reception from Jalen Hurts.
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Three Clemson defenders jumped the wrong route, and Howard popped wide open for the catch-and-run.
Howard had five catches for 208 yards and two TDs in a 45-40 victory against Clemson in last year’s national championship game.