A look behind Da'Ron Payne's game-changing touchdown against Clemson
NEW ORLEANS — Da’Ron Payne knew it was coming — he even dreamed about it. So when the 6-foot-2, 308-pound defensive tackle waited wide open for a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts in the end zone, he was one of the few inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome who wasn’t surprised.
Payne, who has been lobbying for a chance at a touchdown all season, came in for Alabama’s jumbo package as the Crimson Tide faced a second-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the third quarter. Most figured the defensive tackle came into the game to block as he usually does in that situation. However, Payne found out things would be a little different during practice when coaches informed him he’d finally get his shot at offensive glory.
“I knew they were going to call it because they told me,” Payne said. “They told me all week, so I was happy.”
Instead of blocking, Payne shuffled to his right before breaking open in the end zone. From there, it was all about seeing the ball in as he corralled an easy toss from Hurts in the corner of the end zone. The score proved to be a key momentum swing in No. 4 Alabama’s 26-6 victory over No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, sending the Crimson Tide to its third straight appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game where it will face No. 3 Georgia on Jan. 8.
“I actually thought about it last night. I dreamed about it, and it came true,” Payne said. “I dream crazy dreams, it just so happened to come true this time.”
Payne’s touchdown came on the ensuing drive after he recorded his first career interception, picking off Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant and returning it 21 yards to the Tigers 42-yard line. The play not only foreshadowed Payne’s athletic ability, it also served as the final deciding factor in getting him the ball at the goal line.
“When he made the interception, there was no doubt that we were going to throw him the ball on the goal line,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said.
According to Payne, Alabama worked on the play every day in practice last week. When the opportunity finally fell to him in a game, he was prepared.
“I was just ready to see them throw it to me,” Payne said. “I catch it every single day. I haven’t dropped it yet.”
The score was actually Payne’s second career touchdown as he also found the end zone during high school. Although going by his form Monday night you would think he’s been doing this for quite a while.
“Two feet in, it’s a catch on Sunday,” Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison said with a smile
Even Hurts had a little fun, joking that he might look the defensive tackle’s way in the future.
“[Alabama receiver ] Calvin [Ridley] might want to watch out,” Hurts said.
As crazy as the play was, Payne’s not the only Alabama defender making plays near the goal line. In fact, Monday night’s play could have easily been drawn up for linebacker Mack Wilson under different circumstances.
“Jalen told me if I was healthy that would have been me catching the ball because I play goal line, too,” Wilson said. “I’m happy for Da’Ron. He deserves everything that’s coming his way and he played a great game.”
Wilson already has a touchdown reception in his career. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound linebacker comes in as a fullback in goal-line packages and pulled in a 1-yard score from Hurts during last year’s game against Kent State.
Of course, Wilson wasn’t too bothered by not getting his number called Monday night. The sophomore linebacker just had to find a different way to the end zone. Wilson scored on the next play from scrimmage following Payne’s touchdown when he returned an interception from Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant 18 yard for a touchdown.
“When I caught it I just saw I had one person to beat and it was Kelly Bryant. I was like ‘I’m not fixing to let no quarterback tackle me,’” Wilson said. “I just went for what I knew.”
Moving forward, Alabama will need all the touchdowns it can muster as it faces SEC champion Georgia in Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the national championship next week. The Bulldogs advanced to the game after knocking off No. 2 Oklahoma 54-48 in double overtime in the Rose Bowl.
The matchup is only second time two teams from the SEC will play in the national championship game. Alabama beat LSU 21-0 to claim the 2011 national title.
“It’s obviously a dominant conference, and we have some dominant teams in the SEC,” Payne said. “I’m just ready to get after Georgia and get back home so we can get ready for that game.”