Clemson’s 1981 national title changed the program forever

Clemson was the only undefeated team remaining in the country as it prepared to face Nebraska in the Orange Bowl following the 1981 season, knowing with a victory it could claim the Tigers’ first national championship in school history.

No. 1 Clemson took care of business, beating No. 4 Nebraska 22-15. The Tigers were selected as consensus national champions by every major poll. Current Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said Clemson’s national title was a turning point for the program.

“It just says that you can do it. If you can do it once you can do it again,” Swinney said. “It’s a hard thing to do, but when you go to a program that’s won a national championship there’s a tradition, there’s an expectation, usually there’s resources and a passionate fan base, and that’s certainly everything what Clemson has.”

Clemson’s suffocating defense was a big reason why the Tigers won the national title. Danny Ford’s group allowed more than 15 points only once all year, in an 82-24 win over Wake Forest.

Clemson allowed eight points or less in seven of its 12 games. Its closest contest was a 10-8 win over No. 8 North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

In the Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska, Clemson jumped out to a 22-7 lead entering the fourth quarter and hung on for the victory.

Matt Connolly

This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 6:00 AM.