TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It's difficult to go from unbeatable to unrecognizable.
For months, Alabama's secondary was regarded as one of the best in the nation, ranking first in opposing QBR and among the top 20 in touchdowns allowed, completion percentage and interceptions during the regular season. Even Washington's Jake Browning, who led all Power 5 quarterbacks in touchdown passes, crumbled against the Tide during the first round of the College Football Playoff, throwing for a paltry 150 yards, one touchdown and two picks.
Then came Clemson and the national title game, in which Deshaun Watson carved up Alabama's defensive backs to the tune of 420 yards and three touchdowns.