Bama Beats the Bulldogs

College football knows how to bring in the New Year! Each year on or around New Year’s Day, 2 bowl games are played where the winners move on to the National Championship game. This year’s 4-team playoff matched the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl and the Georgia Bulldogs with the Oklahoma Sooners in the Rose Bowl.

Alabama had a 12–1 season, becoming the SEC West Division co-champions with the Auburn Tigers. The Bulldogs had a 13–1 season claiming their 13th Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship. Both enjoyed Bowl ga

me victories and on January 8, the University of Alabama faced the University of Georgia in the college football National Championship game. The game took place in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. President Donald Trump arrived at the game and stood with military members for the national anthem. After winning the coin toss, Alabama deferred to the second half and Georgia received the ball to begin the game.

Although allowing an interception, Jake Fromm and the Bulldogs were able to put up 13 points, while holding Alabama to 0 points at the half. Alabama needed a spark on offense. That was when head coach, Nick Saban, decided to play freshman, Tua Tagovailoa, as quarterback in the second half. Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts, who had an outstanding season leading his team to the championship, but could not get anything going in the first half. The teams traded touchdowns on consecutive drives to start the half putting Georgia up 20–7. Kicker Andy Pappanastos later avenged his earlier miss with a 43-yard field goal that put Alabama within ten. Tagovailoa lead the Tide to come back and tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter. With three seconds remaining in the game, Andy Pappanastos missed his second field goal of the night; the potential game-winning 36-yard field goal that sailed wide left, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, Alabama won the toss and Georgia received the ball first. The Bulldogs scored on a 51-yard field goal during their first possession. Up by 3, but now it’s Alabama’s turn. On Bama's first offensive play in overtime, Tagovailoa was sacked for a 16-yard loss. With the clock still ticking, it's anyone’s game. Next, snap to Tagovailoa he fakes a look right, threw left and nailed a game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith to win the game and give the Crimson Tide the title!

Tagovailoa was named the offensive player of the game, and Da'Ron Payne was named the defensive player of the game. This championship was a narrow miss for Georgia, who were seeking their first title since 1980. It is the fifth national title in nine years for Alabama and head coach Nick Saban, who matched Alabama predecessor Bear Bryant with six championships.