Jan. 9, 2017. Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium.
Rolling right, Deshaun Watson scanned. What he was looking for, Hunter Renfrow, was there. The result was ideal.
Watson threw the touchdown to win Clemson their first national championship since 1981, beating juggernaut Alabama with one second left.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, Watson will play at Raymond James Stadium for the first time since making the life-changing, program-altering pass, this time as the quarterback of the 9-5 Houston Texans. He will face the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Will Watson carry the sentiment of the toss into Saturday?
“For sure, definitely the first time. Just try to refresh my mind on how the field is set up,” Watson said on Tuesday. “Definitely different than a national championship game, but as far as just the play clock and I guess how far the stands are from the field and it’s going to be louder than that (game). It’s going to bring back a lot of memories for sure.”
“It was just a great day overall. So, it was a cool environment, cool stadium and definitely a lot of fun.”
Watson threw the touchdown in the right corner of the end zone. He will make sure that he pays a visit to the spot.
“Yeah, that right corner down toward the tunnel is definitely a spot that I will have to revisit for sure,” Watson said.
Though not playing for a national championship on Saturday, the return to Raymond James Stadium could warrant a celebration if the Texans beat the red-hot Buccaneers.
With a win, Watson and the Texans would clinch the AFC South division crown, in turn, locking themselves into a home playoff game. From there on, the Clemson great has the ability to complete a feat so few have: win a national championship and a Super Bowl.