The more I think about it, I realize just how special that win over Alabama was last year.
Saban has only lost three times with essentially play-in to the national championship on the line: 2008 SEC Championship game to Florida, 2013 Iron Bowl to Auburn, and the 2015 Sugar Bowl. Other teams have beat the Tide during this era, but only 3 - two of which were led by Urban Meyer in de facto or actual semifinals - actually stopped the Tide from winning a title.
Clemson put up 550 yards, more than Ohio State did. Watson threw for over 400 and had a QBR of 160. One interception might have been the difference, assuming Clemson could have scored on that drive instead. Yet Clemson lost despite one of the single most impressive offensive efforts against Alabama under Saban.
Ohio State beating Alabama was really, really impressive.