Tony Brown says Hunter Renfrow's 'lies' provided ammunition
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NEW ORLEANS — Tony Brown has a message for Hunter Renfrow and the rest of the Clemson football team: “Thank you, I appreciate that.”
The Alabama defensive back was clearly emotional following the Crimson Tide’s 24-6 victory over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night. Following the game, Brown accused Renfrow of lying to reporters earlier this year when the Clemson receiver stated that he apologized for trash talking during last season’s national championship game.
Among other things, Brown fired out at Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney for voting Ohio State ahead of Alabama in the final coaches poll this year. He also brought up a tombstone Clemson erected on its campus following its 35-31 victory over the Crimson Tide last season.
All of that provided some extra fire for Brown heading into this year’s matchup.
“It didn’t happen at all, that was a complete lie,” Tony Brown said of the Renfrow apology. “But like I said, I appreciate it, I love that. I love the lies he told, and I love Dabo for all the ammunition he gave this team. He gave this team a lot of ammunition for us to dominate and play. He told us we weren’t ready. He told us we weren’t worthy of being a top-four team. I mean that’s what happens when you talk trash to us.”
Brown finished the game with a tackle and a pass breakup and helped Alabama’s defense hold Renfrow to five catches for 31 yards, a stark comparison to the past two years where the receiver has combined for 17 receptions for 180 yards and four touchdowns.
After allowing Clemson to rack up 511 yards of total offense last season, Alabama limited the Tigers to 188 yards Monday night. Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant finished the night 18 of 36 passing and threw two interceptions.
“The statement to the world, we’re going to dominate,” Brown said. “Listen, we’re a dominant team. We try to dominate you and destroy you for four quarters, and I feel like that’s what we did.”
That domination was particularly gratifying for Brown, who felt Alabama’s defense entered the matchup against Clemson unappreciated by the media. During its 26-14 loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Alabama gave up 411 yards including 240 yards through the air. Alabama has also struggled on third downs, allowing its last three FBS opponents (LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn) to convert 26 of 52 of their attempts. That led several to consider No. 4 Alabama the underdog entering the matchup against No. 1 Clemson.
“I never feel like an underdog mentally myself, but I don’t feel like they gave us the respect,” Brown said. "I don’t feel like the world gave us the respect that we feel like we deserved.”
Despite his comments, Brown said he tried to handle the win with “grace.”
“We don’t make a fool out of ourselves after a game, after a win we are used to it,” Brown said. “I was very excited, but as far as dancing in the locker room and making a fool out of yourself we don’t do that here. We win with grace, and we get ready for this next game.”
Alabama will play in its third straight College Football Playoff National Championship Game when it faces No. 3 Georgia on Jan. 8 in Atlanta. The Bulldogs advanced to the game after beating No. 2 Oklahoma 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.
“I’m excited,” Brown said. “I’m about to enjoy this win tonight with my family and my friends and everybody who helped me through this.”