Final Note

Clemson University won, but was prepared for the worst

Kai Ryssdal Jan 10, 2017
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Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida.    Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Final Note

Clemson University won, but was prepared for the worst

Kai Ryssdal Jan 10, 2017
Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida.    Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

The Clemson Tigers became national champions for the first time in 35 years when they beat Alabama 35-31 Monday night.

I always knew the Tigers would stand victorious, but turns out the university’s finance folks had an inkling last night would turn out well, too.

Back in the Fall, Clemson spent $272,000 in premiums to insure bonuses for the team coaches would be due, regardless of the outcome. The victory saved them $1.2 million in losses: if Alabama won, they would have still saved around half a million.

Last year, travel costs and bonuses during the championship cost Clemson $7 million, which ultimately resulted in a loss to Alabama. 

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