2nd & 26; The play that changed Alabama forever, two years ago today

Alabama forever was forever changed on January 8, 2018. A new standard of Alabama Football was created. A dynasty was renewed.

One play. 2nd and 26.

That one play was all it took for Alabama to win the 2018 National Championship game, and crush Georgia’s dream of winning its first championship since 1981.

A beautifully thrown 41 yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to Smith to beat Georgia in overtime, 26-23.

Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches the game-winning touchdown during overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

But more than that, that one play is what emerged Tua Tagovailoa as the new starting quarterback at Alabama, and is one of the many plays that will forever make him a legend at Alabama.

What Tua has accomplished at Alabama in his career is unfathomable. In his junior season alone, he threw over 2,800 yards, 33 TDs, and only 3 INT. And that was with enduring 2 injuries (1 season ending) which cost him a lot of playing time. But, those stats are impeccable. So is the fact that Tagovailoa went on to break many school records in his career as he threw for 7,442 yards and 87 yards in three seasons.

Tua Tagovailoa
Aug 31, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

DeVonta Smith, who announced earlier this week that he would be returning for his senior year, has become a huge leader on offense for the Crimson Tide. Smith has accounted for over 1200 yards receiving and 14 TDs this season alone. In his career, Smith has recorded 2100 yards receiving as well as 23 TDs. But it’s his consistent improvement that has propelled him into becoming one of Alabama’s best wide receivers this season, and will no doubt be a top draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. It will be exciting to see him make big plays and put up impressive numbers this season.

Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Simply put, Alabama forever was forever changed on January 8, 2018. A new standard of Alabama Football was created. A dynasty was renewed. Hope was restored.

And although Tagovailoa has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, he’ll forever be remembered. His legend will live on forever. He will forever be known as 2nd and 26, as well as one of the best quarterbacks to play at Alabama.

Roll Tide.

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