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There weren’t a whole lot of fireworks at the Sugar Bowl on Monday night. Not many long runs or deep passes.

Mack Wilson #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown on an interception as Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers defends in the second half of the AllState Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Mack Wilson #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown on an interception as Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers defends in the second half of the AllState Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

If Alabama meant to return to the College Football Playoff championship game for a third-consecutive season, the Crimson Tide needed to get there the hard way, with grit and defense.

Lots of defense.

Swarming to the ball, forcing turnovers and otherwise making life miserable for top-ranked Clemson, they dominated this much-awaited CFP semifinal, 24-6, to advance to the title game against Georgia next week.

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