Thursday, March 28, 2024

Tagovailoa leads Crimson Tide to historic comeback win

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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.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa holds the College Football Playoff Championship Trophy while celebrating with his team after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T
Tua Tagovailoa holds the College Football Playoff Championship Trophy while celebrating with his team after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith makes the game-winning touchdown catch during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs
DeVonta Smith makes the game-winning touchdown catch during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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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Anthony Caruso III
Anthony Caruso IIIhttps://thecapitalsportsreport.com
Anthony Caruso III is the Publisher of The Capital Sports Report. He has been in the Journalism field since August 2002. Since that time, Mr. Caruso has covered many marquee events. This includes 13 Heisman Trophy ceremonies, 2 Little World Series events, and one Army-Navy College Football game.
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