Dwight Clark's Clemson ties will bind CFP national championship at Levi's

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Dwight Clark and Joe Montana always will be connected. Posthumously, Clark gave his old quarterback a friendly reminder of that Saturday.

Clark's Clemson Tigers trounced Montana's Notre Dame Fighting Irish 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl to reach the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Back in 1978, Clark's final year in college, Clemson finished 11-1. The school was voted No. 6 in the final college polls, ironically tied with Montana and Notre Dame. Now, Clark's alma mater will face Alabama for the title where the 49ers legend, who died in June after a battle with ALS, will be forever remembered.

The national championship game will be played Monday, Jan. 7, at Levi's Stadium, home of the 49ers and recently erected statues of Clark and Montana to commemorate "The Catch."

Clark used to tease Montana that the duo's iconic play was called "The Catch" and not "The Throw" for a reason.

“He’s here. I wish he were here in person,” Montana said at the statue unveiling in October. “We all miss him a lot. I just want to say thank you on behalf of both of us. It is truly, truly an honor to have these statues and be remembered forever.”

The story of how Clark became a 49er is nearly as incredible as his NFL career. Bill Walsh set out to scout Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller and asked Clark to catch passes for him that day. The legendary coach was so impressed by the sure-handed receiver that he picked him in the 10th round of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Clark had just 33 catches and three touchdowns during his three years at Clemson. His No. 30 jersey now is worn by Tigers linebacker Jalen Williams, who entered the Cotton Bowl with 19 tackles in 13 games played.

“My heart breaks today,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said at the time of Clark's death. “When I was growing up, I remember watching Dwight Clark play. As a receiver, he was someone I looked up to."

At the home of the 49ers, Clemson can honor Clark as he'd always want to be remembered -- a champion.

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