Alabama pulled off a Championship onside kick so sweet, it made Nick Saban smile

The Crimson Tide executed a trick play so perfect that Nick Saban actually showed happiness.

We have waited all night for a Clemson trick play, but it was Nick Saban's Crimson Tide who used the first bit of chicanery during Monday's National Championship Game. After a game-tying fourth-quarter field goal, Alabama ran a surprise onside kick. Kicker Adam Griffith pooch kicked toward the sideline, and freshman defensive back Marlon Humphrey recovered the ball before Clemson knew what had happened.

Nick Saban was pleased with the call, and exhibited actual human emotion.

Dabo Swinney was not nearly as happy, and complained to the officials about the kick. It's not the first time Clemson has fallen victim to an onside kick this postseason, though Clemson got the benefit of the doubt from the referees on the first occurrence.