College football, just like any other athletic organization during the time of Covid-19, has had a very interesting season due to new rules and restrictions set in place. However, teams were able to finish the season successfully, with four teams making it to the playoffs: Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Alabama beat Notre Dame 31-14 and Ohio State beat Clemson 49-28, leaving Alabama and OSU the two remaining teams in the championship game. In case you missed it, here is an overview of the College Football National Championship game!
Alabama won the coin toss and declined taking possession until the second half. Alabama started their opening drive at their own 22-yard-line following the punt and picked up four first downs. Najee Harris scored the first touchdown, rushing fourth-and-goal. During the drive, cameras showed Ohio State running back Trey Sermon heading to the locker room with a shoulder injury from the first play of the game. Alabama kicker Will Reichard resumed the game with another touchback, giving the Buckeyes the football on the 25-yard-line again. Master Teague III scored a touchdown on an eight yard rush to tie the game before the quarter expired with the score tied at seven.
Alabama retook the lead on the second quarter’s opening play, as quarterback Mac Jones passed to Heisman winner DeVonta Smith for a five-yard touchdown. It was then announced that Trey Sermon was on the way to the hospital and would not return for the game. The Buckeyes drove the ball to the Alabama 44 before eventually punting to Alabama at their own 12-yard-line. Alabama started their next drive as Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning sacked Jones and forced a fumble, which he recovered. Ohio State took one play to find the end zone –tying the game once again with a Master Teague III rushing touchdown, his second of the contest. Alabama responded quickly; it took them only five plays to score once again, giving them back a touchdown lead. Alabama safety Jordan Battle was disqualified for targeting; the Buckeyes finished the drive with a field goal, cutting down the Alabama lead to four. Alabama’s offense had no problem moving the ball down the field again, with another two touchdowns to take a three-possession lead. Alabama led 35–17 at halftime.
Ohio State makes the first touchdown of the second half, as Fields makes a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, cutting Alabama’s lead back to two touchdowns. However, Alabama came back and scored again as Slade Bolden caught a five-yard Mac Jones pass and increased the lead back to 21.
Alabama increased their lead to four touchdowns, as Najee Harris scored for the second time. Ohio State was unable to get the ball to the endzone, Alabama ran out the remaining clock and the game finished with the Crimson Tide becoming national champions, 52–24. Despite being injured in the third quarter, DeVonta Smith was named the offensive most valuable player, and Christian Barmore of Alabama’s defensive line was named defensive MVP.
Especially considering the hardships throughout this college football season due to Covid-19, most of the football community is just grateful the championship game was able to occur, even if it didn’t result in their favor. Ethan Fontana, an Ohio State football fan at DHS, claims, “I was a little disappointed in the team’s loss, but I am thankful to have been able to witness this year’s game even with all of the Covid-19 complications.” The college football community now looks forward to next fall.