Alabama D-lineman Da'Ron Payne intercepted a pass and caught a TD in a span of 4 minutes
Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne is a man of many talents, and he put them on display Monday night in the Sugar Bowl.
The 6-foot-2, 308-pound defensive lineman was part of a stalwart first half effort that held the Clemson offense to just 68 yards and three points. In the second half, Clemson cut the Bama lead to 10-6 and looked ready to take the lead — until Payne made a big play.
Bama linebacker Anfernee Jennings came on a blitz and hit Clemson QB Kelly Bryant as he delivered a pass. The ball went right to Payne, who returned the interception 21 yards into Clemson territory.
Not too long after, the Tide’s offense was at the goal line and brought in a jumbo package. That package featured none other than Payne.
He got the chance to showcase his hands once again.
Look at the precision on that route! And the footwork, too!
Just beautiful. Payne’s touchdown increased the Tide’s lead to 17-6. And that lead ballooned to 24-6 with a pick-six shortly thereafter.
Because of Payne and the Tide defense, it looks like we’ll have an All-SEC College Football Playoff National Championship Game with Bama facing Georgia in Atlanta next week.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
