Lawson, Alexander start for Clemson in CFP Championship game

Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson and cornerback Mackensie Alexander both started for the Tigers in the College Football Playoff Championship game against Alabama on Monday.

Lawson, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year who led the FBS with 22.5 tackles for a loss this season, injured his knee during the Tigers’ 37-17 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl and sat out most of the game. Alexander, an all-ACC first-team corner, is battling a hamstring injury, but still managed to get into the starting lineup and made the first tackle of the game.