Gainesville's Watson leads Clemson into title game with rout of Sooners

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Former Gainesville High standout Deshaun Watson turned in another stellar two-way performance, running for one touchdown, passing for another and accounting for 332 yards to lead top-ranked Clemson to a 37-17 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl national semifinal game Thursday.

Clemson (14-0) dominated the second half and shut down Oklahoma's prolific offense, which averaged 52 points over its previous seven games. The Sooners (11-2) actually came into the game as favorites, but the Tigers showed their perfect record was no fluke.

Watson got off to a slow start passing, but came back to complete 16-of-31 for 187 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown to Hunter Renfrow that gave Clemson some breathing room late in the third quarter. The Heisman finalist also ran for 145 yards on 24 carries, scoring the Tigers' first touchdown on a 5-yard run.

Clemson advances to face either Alabama or Michigan State in the Jan. 11 national championship game.

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball as Oklahoma defensive tackle Matthew Romar (92) attempts to stop him, during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown as Oklahoma safety Ahmad Thomas (13) holds on to his leg, during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

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