ORLANDO, Fla. – Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson wasn't about to let an ACC championship and a possible berth in the College Football Playoff slip away.
Watson accounted for five touchdowns as No. 3 Clemson defeated No. 23 Virginia Tech 42-35 on Saturday at Camping World Stadium in the ACC Championship Game.
Winning consecutive league titles for the first time in 28 years likely will send coach Dabo Swinney and his players back to the four-team College Football Playoff for the second straight year, providing Watson an opportunity to resolve unfinished business from last January, when the Tigers lost to Alabama in the championship game.
"What a blessing to be a part of this journey," Swinney said, flanked by Watson. "This guy is the best player in the country, and it isn't close."
The Tigers (12-1) used a late interception to hold off Virginia Tech (9-4), which drove to the Tigers 23 with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter looking to tie the score.
Watson completed 23 of 34 passes for 288 yards, including touchdowns of 21 and 10 yards to Jordan Leggett and 15 yards to Hunter Renfrow for a 42-28 lead midway through the fourth quarter. He also rushed for 85 yards on 17 attempts.
Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans also stood out. He ran for two touchdowns and rallied the Hokies from a 21-point deficit.
Virginia Tech scored on three straight possessions, trimming a 35-14 deficit to seven points on Evans' 5-yard run early in the fourth quarter and Cam Phillips' 26-yard touchdown reception with just under 6 minutes remaining.
