It’s time to earn a National Championship

GLENDALE, Ariz. — On this day 34 years ago, Perry Tuttle became the first Clemson player in history to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The picture, which shows Tuttle holding the ball up in the air in celebration, was taken after the All-American secured his 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Homer Jordan in the third quarter of the Tigers’ 22-15 victory over No. 4 Nebraska in the 1982 Orange Bowl. The headline simply says, “No. 1.”

Now, 34 years later, No. 1 Clemson has an opportunity to repeat history when the Tigers play No. 2 Alabama in tonight’s National Championship Game at The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

“It is kind of surreal to think about it,” said…