By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide is on top of the college football landscape once again. They defeated the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs, 26-23, on Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
This is the second time the Crimson Tide has won the National Championship in the College Football Playoff era. They also won it two years ago over the Clemson Tigers.
This is the program’s 11th national championship. However, it is the fifth national championship in the past nine years under head coach Nick Saban.
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Saban also ties Crimson Tide legend Paul “Bear” Bryant with six national championships. He won his first national championship with the LSU Tigers, before winning five in Alabama.
After a critical sack in overtime, freshman Tua Tagovailoa, who was named the game’s MVP, hit DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard touchdown. As Smith caught the ball, the game was over.
In the first overtime session with the Bulldogs, Georgia had trouble moving the ball. Rodrigo Blankenship made a 51-yard field goal for the 23-20 lead.
The Crimson Tide had an opportunity late to win the game. However, Andy Pappanastos kicked the potential game-winner wide.
Alabama had 10 points in the fourth quarter to make their comeback complete. Tagovailoa hit Calvin Ridley for a seven-yard touchdown.
Pappanastos also made a 30-yard field goal.
Georgia only had one touchdown in the second half and overtime. That came when Jake Fromm hit Mecole Hardman for an 80-yard touchdown.
The Crimson Tide also had 10 points in the third quarter. Tagovailoa, who replaced starter Jalen Hurts, who struggled in the first half, hit Henry Ruggs III for a six-yard touchdown.
Pappanastos also made a 43-yard field goal. Blankenship had two field goals in the second quarter.
Hardman also had a one-yard rushing touchdown.
Tagovailoa went 14 of 24 for 166 passing yards. He had three touchdowns and an interception.
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Hurts went 3 of 8 for 21 yards in the first half. In four College Football Playoff games, Hurts had just 329 passing yards.
Damien Harris had 19 carries for 77 yards. Hurts had 11 carries for 40 yards. Bo Scarbrough had 12 carries for 24 yards.
Ridley had four receptions for 39 yards, including a touchdown. Ruggs III had two receptions for 25 yards. Najee Harris had a 22-yard reception. Da’Ron Payne had a one-yard touchdown reception.
Crimson Tide kicker Pappanastos also had two field goals.
Fromm went 16 of 32 for 232 passing yards. He also had a touchdown and two interceptions.
Sony Michel had 14 carries for 98 yards. Nick Chubb had 18 carries for 25 yards. Hardman had two carries for 10 yards, including a touchdown.
Riley Ridley, the brother of Alabama’s Ridley, had six receptions for 82 yards. Hardman also had two receptions for 80 yards, including a touchdown. Terry Godwin had four receptions for 48 yards.
Javon Wims also had a 16-yard reception. Bulldogs kicker Blankenship also made three field goals.
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