Everyone figured Notre Dame would have a tough time with Alabama in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal. So far, those prognostications have come to fruition. If this is a big tease for an epic comeback later on, we don’t know it yet. As it is, the Irish trail the Crimson Tide after one quarter, 14-0.
Right away, the Irish got a taste of what they’re in for. Kyren Williams ran for 15 yards on one carry during their first possession, but that was their lone first down on that drive. When the Tide took over, they picked up first downs on four of their first five plays. Just over two-and-a-half minutes were needed for Mac Jones to connect with DeVonta Smith for a 26-yard touchdown, the first of what likely will be many scores for the Tide.
The Irish’s offense did not fare much better on its next chance. Jay Bramblett came on with a 53-yard punt that pinned the Tide at their own 3-yard line, even though it initially looked to be down at the 1. It wouldn’t have mattered either way because the Tide picked up right where they left off on a drive highlighted by what only can be described as a Najee Harris leap over Nick McCloud on a 53-yard run. Right after perhaps the highest jump by a running back in all of football history, Jones hit Jahleel Billingsley for a 12-yard touchdown.
The Irish fared better when they got the ball again. This time, they got into Tide territory thanks to Ian Book’s 27-yard completion to Chris Tyree. A couple of nice runs by Williams then saw them reach the red zone. Hopefully, that’s a sign of things turning around.