Alabama punched their ticket to the National Title game with a 31-14 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final at the Rose Bowl Game. Mac Jones was lights out for the Tide on New Years Day, completing 25 of 30 passes for 297 yards and four touchdown passes.
Things got rolling early for the Tide, as they scored on their first three possessions. The first would come on a 26 yard TD connection with Jones to Devonta Smith. This would be their first of three TD connections on the day.
After Alabama jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the 1st quarter, Notre Dame was finally able to get something going. With just 36 yards of total offense on their first two possessions, Ian Book would lead the Irish on what would be the most time-consuming drive in the game. It was a 12 play, 75-yard drive that ate 8:03 off the clock and was capped off with a one-yard rushing TD from Kyren Williams.
This rolled us into the 2nd quarter, with the Irish trying to make a game of it. However, as forementioned, the Tide took their third drive of the game right back to paydirt, as Jones connected with Smith for a 34 yard TD to push the Tide lead back to 14.
After trading punts, the Irish worked back down the field, looking to cut the deficit ahead of halftime. Despite only 44 seconds on the clock and the ball on their own 11-yard line, they were able to strike fast when they received possession. Book ripped off back to back QB runs of nine and 20 yards. Book then found Ben Skowronek for a 20-yard completion as they crossed midfield.
However, things soon stalled out for Notre Dame, as Book spiked the ball on first down. After a one-yard loss on a reception by Williams, the Irish faced a 3rd and 11 at the Bama 41. Book then found Williams again, but for only eight yards, three short of the first down markers. This setup a 51-yard field goal attempt from Jonathan Doerer that would fall short.
As the teams went to the locker room at the half, the Tide led the Irish 21-7. The Tide had 279 yards of total offense compared to just 189 for the Irish.
Alabama would start the 2nd half with possession, looking to add to their lead. However, after getting into Irish territory, the Tide drive would stall out, and they were forced to punt.
Notre Dame went to work from their own 10-yard line. After two first downs and three straight completions from Book, it looked as if the Irish were getting something going. However, on 2nd and seven from the 37, Book was intercepted by Christian Harris.
Jones took full advantage of the turnover, as he threw a strike to John Mechie on first down, for a 40 yard gain. Then four plays later, Jones connected with Smith for a 3rd time in the endzone, as the lead for Alabama increased to 21 with 4:58 left in the 3rd quarter.
On the Irish’ next possession, Book got hammered by Christian Barmore for a 14-yard sack. Book would head to the injury tent, and Drew Payne entered the game in relief. The drive then stalled out as they were forced to punt.
The Tide would roll their ensuing possession into the 4th quarter before capping it with a 41-yard field goal from Will Reichard. This made it 31-7 Alabama with 12:45 left to play.
Book reclaimed this spot on the field as Notre Dame took back over. He connected on his first six passes of the drive. However, after getting into the red zone things fizzled out. Then, facing a 4th and ten from the Tide 13, Notre Dame elected to go for it and were unable to convert.
With 8:43 left to play, it was clock eating time for Bama, as they went with a heavy dose of the ground game. By the time the Irish reclaimed possession, there was just 5:32 left to play. Book and the Irish weren’t giving up hope yet, though. He would lead the Irish to just their second scoring drive of the game.
The downside of the drive, though, was that it ate away almost all the rest of the clock. It was a 14 play, 80-yard drive that ticed away 4:36 from the clock as Book capped it on a one-yard rushing TD.
With 56 seconds left to play, the Irish attempted an on-sides kick and were able to recover. However, it was too little too late, and it didn’t take long for the Tide to finish the Irish, sealing the 31-14 Rose Bowl Game victory. This punched the Tides ticket to their 5th National Title game in the last six years.
For ND starting QB Ian Book, it was a somber farewell in his final game for the Irish. However, he cemented his place in history as the winningest QB in ND history, with the Irish holding a 30-3 record when Book started under center.
“And I’m blessed. It’s awesome.”, said Book. “What an unbelievable journey. Definitely going to stay positive. And just some special guys. Met lifelong friends and unbelievable coaches. It’s just been everything I’ve wanted it to be. Super fortunate and super grateful. We’ll keep our heads high.”
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was named the offensive MVP after his seven-catch, 130-yard receiving performance, which was highlighted by his three TD receptions.
“Well, my performance, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my quarterback, offensive line, running backs, just the whole team. Defense getting me prepared for the game today. I wouldn’t be able to do none of it without them.”, said Smith after his record-setting performance.
The Tide now turns their focus to Miami and the National Championship game scheduled to be played on Monday, January 11th, 2021.
Written by Adrian Beecher
Image Credit: College Football Playoff & Rose Bowl Game
