Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide Bring Home the Crystal Ball

The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, Jim McElwain, and Kirby Smart defeated Texas in the National Championship game with a score of 37 - 21.

(Photo courtesy of ESPN)


Unfortunately the fans did not get to see the game we had been waiting for all season as Texas called an option left play very early in the game. Colt is right-handed, so this left his throwing arm exposed to the teeth of Alabama's defense. It did not turn out good for Colt and company as the throwing shoulder was damaged pretty badly. Many thought Colt would come back, but he did not. With a pro career and a big contract looming, Colt did not risk it.

So all eyes turned to 6-4 Freshman from Austin, Garrett Gilbert. He played a good game considering he was up against the best defense in the land.

Early on, Will Muschamp's defense came out looking hot. Alabama attempted a fake punt which failed and resulted in a brief heart attack for the BAMA faithful.

Texas got in the redzone twice, but only came away with a pair of field goals. This would not hold up against BAMA. The first half ended with a crazy play as Texas called a shuffle pass. The play was good in theory and maybe it would have worked with Colt in, maybe it would have worked if they were facing a different defense. Maybe didn't work as BAMA defensive lineman, Marcell Dareus snagged the ball and took it the house on a 28 yard touchdown interception. It was a huge play that left Texas with 3 seconds on the clock before the half.

The score at the half Alabama 24 - Texas 6.

The second half got better as Alabama got conservative chewing up clock. Texas' defense led by Will Muschamp got some stops, and Garrett Gilbert settled down and got the ball to Jordan Shipley. Shipley finished the night with 10 catches for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Texas cut the led to 3 points with time winding down, but Alabama marched it down the field when it had to and stuffed it with a power play to the left with an incredible effort from Mark Ingram. BAMA finished the night with 205 yards on the ground and 4 Touchdowns as both Ingram and Richardson got a pair of TD's a piece on the ground.

Ingram's touchdown put the exclamation on his Heisman Trophy season and marked the victory for Alabama. Alabama was clearly the better team throughout the season and in this game, when it counted the most.

Coach Saban brings in another National Championship, and apparently there are talks in Tuscaloosa about a new statue at Bryant-Denny Stadium’s Walk of Champions plaza.

Congratulations Alabama on a perfect 14-0 season.