The 2020 college football season was one of a kind, and it was certainly one that most would prefer not to have again.
Through COVID restrictions and constant rescheduling, it has finally come to an end, and the Alabama Crimson Tide won it all.
The road to No. 18 was not an easy one, though Nick Saban and his crew made it look easy as he won national championship No. 7, and his sixth while at the helm of the Alabama program – he surpasses Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant as the college coach with the most national titles.
While they entered the season not ranked No. 1 in the nation, the team certainly earned the top spot as the season progressed.
Led by Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith and Najee Harris, Steve Sarkisian helped produce one of the strongest offenses to ever take the field at Bryant Denny Stadium.
In the end, it all came down to how the team played against No. 3 Ohio State; and when it mattered most, they showed up.
The Jones to Smith connection was on fire in the first half.
Smith had more receiving yards and touchdowns than the Buckeyes had offensive yards and touchdowns before halftime.
Unfortunately, Smith dislocated his finger early in the second half, so his night was cut short. However, it was not in vain, as he has a record 12 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
Jones spread the wealth around Alabama receivers, including Jaylen Waddle, who returned from what many thought was a season-ending injury.
In total, Jones completed 36 of 45 passing attempts for 464 yards and five touchdowns.
Standout running back Najee Harris cemented himself as the top running back of the 2021 potential draft class with 22 carries for 79 yards and three touchdowns, one of which coming through the air.
Pete Golding was consistently doubted by members of the Alabama fanbase, but did not give them any reasons to further question his abilities as a defensive coordinator with last night’s performance.
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields only completed 17 of 33 passes for 194 yards and a lone touchdown.
The Buckeyes’ running game was limited as their star running back, Trey Sermon, was injured on the first play of the game and was taken to a local hospital.
Master Teague III took over the primary rushing responsibilities and had 15 carries for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
The contest originally looked to be a back and forth of two highly offensive teams that wold trade punches throughout the night. However, Alabama’s full throttle attack on both sides of the ball proved too much for Ohio State, and the Crimson Tide ran away with the game.