12. 2016 Clemson Tigers
When the season opened, Clemson debuted a new motto, "Finish with no regrets." After coming up just short in the national title game against Alabama the previous season, the Tigers went into 2016 determined to win it all. With Watson returning to lead the way, along with Mike Williams, Wayne Gallman, Jordan Leggett, Christian Wilkins and Ben Boulware, Clemson was favored to make it back to the College Football Playoff. But Clemson had to overcome some uneven performances and a loss at home to Pitt in early November before making it into the top four. Then, it had to overcome Alabama in the national title game again. How that game ended ranks among the most exciting in championship game history. The lead changed three times in the fourth quarter, and Clemson got the final word when Watson threw the game-winning, 2-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with 1 second left on a play called "Orange Crush." -- Adelson
