The Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1) scored 21 points in the game’s first 15:04 en route to a 42–14 shellacking of Notre Dame (12-1) Monday night in the BCS Championship game to win their second straight title and third in four seasons.
Alabama’s dominance was all over the stat sheet as Nick Saban’s crew out-rushed the Irish and their stout defense 265-32 while keeping possession of the ball for more than 38 of the game’s 60 minutes.
The Irish, in their third season under Brian Kelly, were unable to score on ‘Bama until 4:08 was left in the third quarter and the Tide had already rolled up 35 points.
Alabama, which also boasted a stingy defense, was led mainly by an incredibly talented offensive line that created hole after hole for running backs Eddie Lacy (140 rushing yards, 1 TD) and T.J. Yeldon (108 rushing yards, 1 TD). Meanwhile quarterback A.J. McCarron had ample time to pass every time he dropped into the pocket. The junior finished 20/28 passing for 264 yards and four touchdowns.
While Notre Dame was having trouble tackling runners on defense, they established nothing with their own run game while meanwhile quarterback Everett Golson was constantly on the run from Alabama’s pass rush. The Irish quarterback threw for 270 yards but was just 21/36 passing with both a touchdown and a pick. Golson also had a rushing touchdown.
Dynasty in the Works
The dominating performance moves Alabama into dynasty talk while becoming the first team since Tom Osborne’s Nebraska Cornhuskers of the mid-90’s to win three titles in four years. For Saban himself it’s his fourth BCS title overall, thanks to his first title at LSU. No other coach has more than two BCS titles.
Unlike Saban’s time with the Tigers there’s few whispers of the hard-working coach returning to the NFL, especially after his forgettable stint with Miami. And as long as Saban is still running the show, Alabama’s run is expected to continue. Saban is now 61-7 over the last five seasons in the toughest conference in college football—the SEC.
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