TAMPA, Fla. - Well, this was the plan.
Alabama tight end O.J. Howard completely defied the adage of "striking while the iron is hot" last January when he ran away with MVP honors in the national title game only to announce several days later that he would be returning for his senior season with the Crimson Tide.
Monday night, Howard will vie for a second consecutive national championship against the same team, Clemson, that he haunted a year ago.
"I wanted to be at this point, and we're here now," Howard said. "I knew our team could have a chance to be great, and we've got one more game to play to accomplish our goal, but this was definitely what I envisioned."
The Crimson Tide haven't lost since Howard's decision, reeling off 14 consecutive victories to increase the program's overall winning streak to 26. Only Ole Miss, which fell to the visiting Tide 48-43 in mid-September, has played Alabama within single digits this season.
Howard had five receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns in last year's 45-40 win over Clemson after entering that game with 33 catches for 394 yards and no scores. His numbers this season include a career-best 41 catches for 489 yards and two touchdowns, but Tide coach Nick Saban refuses to gauge Howard solely on statistics.
"O.J. has played extremely well for us this year," Saban said. "I know some people just look at how many passes he catches like that determines his performance level, but that's not how we evaluate a guy who plays tight end. He's improved as a blocker, and he has done everything that we've asked him to do all year without getting upset or frustrated by the fact he's not getting the ball more.
"He goes out there every game and tries to do the best he can for his team, and I think he's played extremely well."
Howard does have at least one reception in every game this season and is coming off a four-catch, 44-yard performance in last weekend's 24-7 victory over Washington in the Peach Bowl. Alabama had only three other completions against the Huskies, with those totaling 13 yards.
Calvin Ridley had just one catch for 6 yards and ArDarius Stewart didn't have any, and the lack of overall production in the passing game likely factored into Saban parting ways last Monday with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and tabbing Steve Sarkisian to call plays against the Huskies.
"I would like to see O.J. have more production, and I would like to see some other skill players on our team have more production as well," Saban said. "If we're going to be a really good offensive team, then we've got to utilize those weapons effectively."
As for the Tigers, avoiding a repeat of Howard's outburst from a year ago is an obvious objective, but at what cost?
"I don't think we're going to have to overcompensate for him, just because Alabama has so many weapons to where you can't just really focus on one guy," Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell said. "They have two of the best receivers in the country, and their quarterback is really good. They have two or three backs who can make big plays and break free at any time.
"We just have to play together as a whole defense and hold off those guys from making big plays."
Howard set a staggering statistical bar to surpass in last January's showing in Arizona, but he wasn't selfish in his decision a year ago and hasn't been selfish since. He is right where he thought he could be, hoping one more team celebration is in store.
"It's amazing," Howard said. "To be able to play for the title again is just an amazing feeling. Our team worked hard for this all offseason, and we deserve to be here."
Tide tidbits
Alabama held its final practice of the season Saturday, working out in 55-degree temperatures at South Florida. Running back Bo Scarbrough, who is just a sophomore but is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft since he is three years removed from high school, said Saturday that he will return to the Tide next season.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.