NCAA allows Clemson rules waiver

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson has been granted a waiver by the NCAA should it exceed the governing body's limit on football time as it prepares for Monday night's national championship game.

Clemson said it received the waiver from the NCAA on Wednesday. The Tigers began classes Wednesday, meaning the NCAA's 20-hour maximum rule spent on the sport would have applied to the undefeated Tigers.

Clemsn's opponent, No. 2 Alabama, does not return to school until next week so was not subject to the NCAA limit.

Clemson said the waiver means football players can miss class Thursday afternoon with professor approval. The school said it will not exceed the NCAA's 20-hour limit.

Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich thanked the NCAA for the waiver.

The Tigers fly to Arizona on Friday.