Tuscaloosa Magazine Vol 16 No 1

SPECIAL ISSUE

CRIMSON DYNASTY Alabama’s 2017 National Championship Season INSIDE: GAME-BY-GAME SEASON RECAP GAME ANALYSIS ALABAMA TEAM ROSTER

$3.95

DeVonta Smith catches the game-winning pass from Tua Tagovailoa to lift Alabama to a 26-23 overtime win over Georgia and the Crimson Tide’s 17th national title.

[ERIN NELSON/THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS]

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ALABAMA 2017 ROSTER NO.

PLAYER

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1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 28 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 34 36 36 37 37 38 39

Ben Davis Robert Foster Jalen Hurts Tony Brown Calvin Ridley Daniel Wright Christopher Allen Jerry Jeudy Ronnie Clark Shyheim Carter DeVonta Smith Hootie Jones Trevon Diggs Josh Jacobs Bo Scarbrough Da'Shawn Hand Mac Jones JK Scott Henry Ruggs III Chadarius Townsend Andy Pappanastos Nigel Knott Tua Tagovailoa Deionte Thompson Tyrell Shavers Ronnie Harrison KyleEdwards Jamey Mosley Cam Sims Dylan Moses Montana Murphy Austin Johnson Xavian Marks Shaun Dion Hamilton Jared Mayden Najee Harris Rogria Lewis Brian Robinson Jr. Terrell Lewis Xavier McKinney Kyriq McDonald Anthony Averett Minkah Fitzpatrick Daniel Skehan Mack Wilson Keaton Anderson Rashaan Evans Swade Hutchinson Anfernee Jennings Damien Harris Mac Hereford Markail Benton Donavan Mosley Jonathan Rice Zavier Mapp Levi Wallace

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40 40 42 42 43 43 44 45 45 45 46 47 48 49 50 50 52 53 56 57 58 59 60 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 87 88 89 90 92 93 94 95 97 97 98 98 99

Giles Amos Joshua McMillon Jacob Parker Keith Holcombe Parker Bearden VanDarius Cowan Kedrick James Hunter Bryant Thomas Fletcher Bo Grant Joseph Harvey Christian Miller Mekhi Brown Isaiah Buggs Hunter Brannon Vohn Keith Scott Meyer Ryan Parris Brandon Kennedy Ryan Burns Daniel Powell Dallas Warmack Kendall Randolph J.C. Hassenauer Deonte Brown Lester Cotton Joshua Casher Taylor Wilson Joshua Frazier Alex Leatherwood Ross Pierschbacher Richie Petibon Jonah Williams Jedrick Wills Jr. Bradley Bozeman Scott Lashley Matt Womack Elliot Baker Chris Owens Derek Kief Irv Smith Jr. Cam Stewart Hale Hentges Miller Forristall Major Tennison LaBryan Ray Jamar King Quinnen Williams Phidarian Mathis Da'Ron Payne Johnny Dwight Joseph Bulovas Mike Bernier Brannon Satterfield Preston Knight Raekwon Davis

6-4 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-8 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-7

242 241 226 236 218 236 272 226 220 201 211 240 241 293 290 248 233 228 305 214 246 308 309 295 350 324 291 276 315 322 303 308 301 314 314 310 324 302 307 204 246 246 249 238 245 272 290 285 306 308 301 212 217 223 212 306

TE LB TE LB DB LB TE TE LS DB TE LB LB DL OL DL LS SN OL DB DL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR TE TE TE TE TE DL DL DL DL DL DL K P P P DL

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So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So.

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FLORIDA STATE WHEN: 9.02.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 24, FLORIDA STATE 7

Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough celebrates wearing the old leather helmet trophy after defeating Florida State. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

A

STORY BY TOMMY DEAS

TLANTA – They didn’t close the streets around the new MercedesBenz Stadium for the season-opening matchup between No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and third-Florida State, but Alabama turned it into a block party anyway.

Minkah Fitzpatrick blocked a field goal

to preserve a slim Alabama lead on the final play of the first half and Damien Harris blocked a punt to turn momentum UA’s way in the third quarter, propelling the Crimson Tide to a decisive 24-7 victory in front of a crowd of 76,330 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic.

The game was billed as ‘The Greatest Opener of All Time,’ owing to the teams’ high preseason rankings, but it turned

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FLORIDA STATE

Top: Alabama offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman (75) points out blocking assignments while Ross Pierschbacher (71) and Jonah Williams (73) listen to his directions. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Above: Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (9) is tripped up

by Florida State defenders. Scarbrough rushed 15 times for 40 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Left: Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson celebrates after the Crimson Tide special teams turned in a big play. The Crimson Tide’s special teams blocked a punt and a field goal in the win against FSU. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

out to be just another dominant display of defense by Alabama with a few key plays to provide the scoring punch to back it up.

UA led 10-7 at intermission after Fitzpatrick blocked an FSU field goal attempt that could have tied it. Harris’ blocked punt deep in Seminole territory late in the third period led to an Andy Pappanastos field goal that extended the lead to 13-7, and UA took command after another big

special teams play on the ensuing kickoff.

Freshman linebacker Dylan Moses caused a fumble and Keith Holcombe, a former Hillcrest High player, recovered to set up Alabama again within striking distance.

“Those,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said, “were big, critical plays.”

Harris crashed into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown run on the following snap and Alabama was up 21-7 with less

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FLORIDA STATE

Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (49) rushes Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois (12) during the first half. The Crimson Tide limited the Seminoles to 40 rushing yards and 210 pass yards [COSBY JR.]

than two minutes to go in the third period.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw to Calvin Ridley for a 2-point conversion, and Alabama was ahead 21-7 in the waning moments of the third quarter.

Alabama’s defense did the rest, with Levi Wallace and Mack Wilson intercepting passes, and Pappanastos tacking on another field goal in the final period.

The first half was a tug-of-war between two staunch defenses. Hurts passed

to Ridley for a 21-yard gain to set up a 35-yard field goal for a 3-0 Alabama lead with 4:30 to go in the first quarter.

Florida State marched 90 yards to reply with a 3-yard Deondre Francoisto-Auden Tate touchdown pass to take a 7-3 lead early in the second period.

On Alabama’s next series, Hurts heaved a 53-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Ridley to put UA back on top, 10-7, with 11:28 remaining before intermission.

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FLORIDA STATE

Florida State defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas (90) pressures Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2). Hurts had 96 passing yards and 55 rushing yards. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

Ridley caught seven passes for 82 yards, with Hurts completing 10 of 18 attempts for 96 yards. Harris ran for 73 yards on nine carries, with Hurts adding 55 yards on 15 attempts. UA gained only 269 total yards.

“First game of the season you can always have a few things that were a little ugly, but I’m really proud of the way they competed and played hard in the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It was a tough, physical game.”

FSU was held to 250 total yards, with Francois going 19 for 33 for 210 yards before he left the game in the fourth quarter with an injury, and the Seminoles gaining just 40 rushing yards on 27 carries.

Four UA linebackers were injured: Rashaan Evans (groin), Terrell Lewis (elbow), Christian Miller (biceps) and Anfernee Jennings (ankle).

Saban said Lewis, Miller and Jennings are “questionable.”

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FRESNO STATE WHEN: 9.9.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 41, FRESNO STATE 10

Alabama defensive lineman Johnny Dwight (95) tries to get to Fresno State quarterback Chason Virgil (5) during the second half. The Crimson Tide defense limited the Bulldogs to 274 total yards. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

F

STORY BY CECIL HURT

resno State ended the day on a platter but didn’t fulfill the sacrificial lamb role that many expected against No. 1 Alabama.

The Crimson Tide handled the Bulldogs 41-10 in the first game at Bryant-Denny Stadium this fall, thanks largely to a career rushing day by starting quarterback Jalen

Hurts. The Crimson Tide scored just 13 points in the second half, however, due to a combination of some aggressive Bulldog defense and an offensive game plan that kept the ball away from UA for a reasonable chunk of playing time.

“I thought we played well (but) there’s a lot to improve on,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “We’re not interested in sliding backwards.”

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FRESNO STATE

Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) tries to run from Fresno State defensive lineman Kwami Jones (33) during the second half. Harris rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

Hurts scored two touchdowns himself for Alabama (2-0) as part of a 154-yard rushing effort (on 10 carries.) He also threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hale Hentges and led another touchdown drive that was capped by a 5-yard Damien Harris run. In the second half, Andy Pappanastos kicked a pair of short field goals and backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

connected on a freshman-to-freshman touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III. Hurts’ 154 rushing yards were the most by an Alabama quarterback since Tyler Watts had 162 yards in a loss at South Carolina in 2001. Hurts added 128 yards passing with 14 completions on 18 attempts His 15.4-yard average per carry was the third-highest single-game average ever for an Alabama rusher with

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FRESNO STATE

Clockwise from top left, Alabama offensive lineman Matt Womack (77) engages Fresno State defensive lineman Tobenna Okeke (56) during the second half. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs from Fresno State defensive lineman Nathan Madsen (91) and linebacker Jeffrey Allison (9) during the second half. Hurts passed for 128 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 154 yards and two scores. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Alabama offensive lineman Lester Cotton (66) hoists Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) into the air after he scored a touchdown during the first half. Harris rushed for 32 yards and the one touchdown. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Alabama linebacker Christopher Allen (4) makes a hit on Fresno State quarterback Chason Virgil. It was the only sack for the Crimson Tide.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

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FRESNO STATE

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a pass as Fresno State defensive back Tank Kelly (6) brings him down during the second half. Ridley had five catches for 45 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

a minimum of 10 carries in a game.

Fresno State quarterback Chason Virgil completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown.

“They hit us with a lot of screens and quarterback draws,” Saban said.

“They did a good job of attacking, of sort of nickel-and-diming us.”

As a result, time of possession, usually a statistic that skews strongly in Alabama’s favor, was nearly even (Alabama had the ball for 30:42, while Fresno State’s offense stayed on the field for 29:18.)

Tagovailoa made his Alabama debut on what Saban called a “pre-planned” series

in the second quarter, completing 6 of 9 passes, including the touchdown to Ruggs.

“I thought Tua did a good job,” Saban said. “He will learn from taking the sack (that ended the second quarter drive. “He did a lot of good things, made accurate throws. He have had another touchdown if the back didn’t run a wrong route earlier in the fourth quarter.”

After an injury-filled opener, things seemed calmer in that department. Guard Lester Cotton of Tuscaloosa left the game in the third quarter and, according to Saban, was “dinged a little,” but is not expected to be out for a long period.

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COLORADO STATE WHEN: 9.16.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 41, COLORADO STATE 23

Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (9) bulls through the Colorado State defense for a touchdown. Scarbrough rushed for 66 yards and a score on 12 carries. The Crimson Tide ran for 239 yards as a team. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

N

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

ick Saban is pleased today.

No, not because his starting quarterback had a rating of 232 and certainly not because his defense looked porous at times.

No, Saban is likely privately pleased because his team earned a 41-23 victory over Colorado State at Bryant-Denny

Stadium in a game that featured enough positives to prove to him the team is growing, and at the same time revealed enough miscues to help him frame a message that it has a long way to go.

Questions were answered about the offense, which hadn’t overtly shown an identity in its two previous games.

That came into focus through about three-and-a-half quarters. Jalen

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COLORADO STATE

Clockwise from top left, Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) tries to get around Colorado State linebacker Josh Watson. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama defensive backs Ronnie Harrison (15), Laurence ‘Hootie’ Jones (6) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) combine to bring down Colorado State tight end Dalton Fackrell. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) tries to stretch through a pile of Colorado State defenders to reach the first down marker. Harris had four rushing attempts for 11 yards.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama defensive back Laurence ‘Hootie’ Jones returns an interception for 65 yards against Colorado State in the third quarter. The interception set up a Crimson Tide touchdown. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Hurts is the identity of this offense — at least through three games.

Hurts put on a masterful running and throwing performance. His final stat line featured 248 passing yards and two touchdowns while completing 70.5 percent of his attempts and running for 103 yards and a touchdown with a 9.4 yards-per-carry average.

Three of the offense’s touchdowns

came via explosive plays, starting on the first drive with a 27-yard Hurts touchdown run. Hurts then found Calvin Ridley for a 78-yard slant route for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Hurts hit Robert Foster for a 52-yard score.

“I think this is probably one of the better jobs of executing (in explosive plays),” Hurts said.

As it did a week before, the UA offense

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COLORADO STATE

Colorado State tight end Dalton Fackrell (30) is brought down by Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

started fast, scoring touchdowns on its first two drives. It added a third score on an Andy Pappanastos 46-yard field goal in the first quarter to give UA a 17-0 lead.

Alabama out-gained Colorado State 216 to 11 in the first quarter.

But there was an ugly side to the game, too, and too often it starred the defense, which allowed nearly 400 yards of total offense. The Rams threw for 247 yards and rushed for 144 more.

The 18-point margin of victory for Alabama after scoring 41 points wasn’t nearly as troublesome as how it occurred defensively. Colorado State possessed the ball for nearly 34 minutes and converted 58.8 percent of its third downs (10 of 17).

“That was just pathetic,” senior linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton said.

“We (were) on the field entirely too long. We’re going to have a cometo-Jesus meeting on Monday.”

For the second week in a row, the

defense played without two of its best linebackers in Rashaan Evans and Anfernee Jennings. Evans dressed out for the game, showing he’s one step closer to returning, while Jennings wore street clothes on the sideline. The defense was without a total of five linebackers (Terrell Lewis, Christian Miller, Evans, Jennings and Dylan Moses).

The secondary did contribute with interceptions by safeties Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones, with Jones’ 65-yard return setting up a Damien Harris third-quarter touchdown run.

Overall Saban saw a strong offensive performance and a defense that needs work.

“Not stopping the run. Not getting off the field on third down. Didn’t play well in the red zone. We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Saban said. “Made a lot of mental errors. The continuity and togetherness is not what it needs to be on that side of the ball.”

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VANDERBILT WHEN: 9.23.17 / WHERE: NASHVILLE, TENN. / SCORE: ALABAMA 59, VANDERBILT 0

Alabama wide receivers Henry Ruggs III (11) and DeVonta Smith (6) jump in celebration after Smith’s 27-yard touchdown reception during the second half. It was Smith’s only catch of the game. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

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STORY BY CECIL HURT

anderbilt, trimmed in gold, learned a harsh lesson on Saturday.

Silence is golden.

Actually, no amount of pre-game chatter was entirely responsible for the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide’s 59-0 annihilation of the Commodores at Dudley Field, a cataclysm forged in years of recruiting

and development. But even a slight contribution from pre-game chatter was enough to focus the Crimson Tide into a dominant performance that even pleased Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

“There’s a difference between winning and defeating your opponent,” Saban said, crediting his players. “I think they earned a lot of respect today.”

The Crimson Tide set numerous school

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VANDERBILT

I NSIDE T H E GAME

V

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

anderbilt couldn’t run the ball, and in a game that is sometimes made more complicated than it has to be, that was all she wrote for the Commodores’ chances.

It’s easy to be blinded by the stats, how Alabama held Vanderbilt to three first downs and 38 total plays and 78 total yards, but the story of the game defensively for UA was that it limited its opponent to 2.5 yards per carry. With no success to show for it, Vanderbilt eventually gave up trying to run the ball, rushing it a total of 15 times (not counting quarterback Kyle Shurmur’s scramble).

Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt’s career leading rusher, ran six times for 20 yards. With no running game to honor, Alabama pressured and pummeled Shurmur. UA was credited with only three quarterback hurries, but it hit and hurried Shurmur more than that to the point where he exited the game in the third quarter, not to return.

“Defensively, these guys are really a tough preparation for their formations and motions, and I think our guys did a really good job of keeping leverage on the formations and stopped their running game,” UA coach Nick Saban said.

Controlling the running game was something the defense didn’t do against Colorado State a week earlier, as the Rams rushed for 144 yards. But with the return of outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who might be the team’s best edge setter on defense, and Rashaan Evans at middle linebacker, and with defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne’s ability to consistently

disrupt in the middle, UA dominated.

“We knew that we haven’t played our best game yet,” senior linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton said. “Today we came out and played to the standard that Coach Saban always talks about. We some good momentum (to take) going in to SEC play.”

Getting Jennings and Evans back didn’t just help in one area. Their return had a cumulative effect on the rest of the defense, particularly younger players who could focus on their position and not have to cross-train.

“I think two things happened,” Saban said. “I think (Jennings and Evans) … they both played well. They both practiced well. I think their leadership is very helpful,” Saban said.

“But I also think that the other players that played, Chris Allen, Josh McMillon, Jamey Mosley, those guys are developing a little more confidence in those positions too. We had to teach Mack Wilson to play the position that Rashaan plays in Dime Rabbit. Well, that was a work in progress until he finally got comfortable with that. Not only does it hurt you in one spot when you lose those guys, but you have to change guys in they lose the cumulative affect of all their reps.”

Alabama’s ability to dominate in rush defense kept Vanderbilt in third-and-long for most of the game, which led to the Commodores’ 10 percent (1 of 10) thirddown conversion rate. That allowed UA to stay in nickel/dime, perhaps its best personnel grouping, for most of the game.

“We had a lot of longer yardage situations where we could play dime,” Saban said. “That gives us more speed on the field.”

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VANDERBILT

Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) leaps over a Vanderbilt defender during the second half. Harris rushed for 70 yards.

[STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

records, including the mark for most first downs in a game (38). Perhaps more impressive was the new record for totaloffense differential as UA outgained the Commodores by 599 yards, gaining 677 total yards to Vanderbilt’s 78.

Vanderbilt never entered Alabama territory. The Commodores picked up a first down on a roughing the passer penalty on their first possession, but a Kyle Shurmur pass attempt from the VU 46 was intercepted by Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison. After that came the deluge.

The Crimson Tide had 496 yards rushing, led by junior Damien Harris, who gained a career-high 151 yards on 12 carries and scored three times. Bo Scarbrough added 79 yards and 11 carries and scored twice.

Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts had a quiet day statistically, rushing for 48 yards and

passing for 78 but he was again turnoverfree in leading Alabama to a 38-0 lead.

Freshman Tua Tagovailoa handled most of the second-half duties, completing 8 of 10 passes for 103 yards and two scores, including a spectacular spin-and-throw 27-yard touchdown completion to fellow freshman DeVonta Smith in the third quarter.

The 59-0 final equaled Alabama’s largest margin of victory in an SEC shutout. The Crimson Tide defeated Texas A&M by the same score in 2014.

In addition to dominating in every imaginable statistical category, Alabama even had a decided edge in fans, turning most of Vanderbilt’s home stadium a crimson hue.

“It felt like an Alabama home game out there,” said linebacker Rashaan Evans. “It was great.”

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VANDERBILT

Clockwise from top left, Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half.

[STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) runs with the ball during the second half. Jeudy caught three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.

[STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Alabama defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94) moves in on Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the first half. Alabama limited Vandy to just 78 total yards of offense, including 40 rushing yards and 38 passing yards. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

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OLE MISS WHEN: 9.30.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / ALABAMA 66, OLE MISS 3

Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) pushes through the Ole Miss defense to score a touchdown during the second quarter. Hurts rushed for 101 yards with a touchdown and passed for 197 yards and two scores. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

F

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

or those expecting an encore to the Alabama-Ole Miss trilogy from 2014-16 that captivated a college football-watching nation, it was a disappointing evening inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

For television executives hoping a close game would keep viewers glued to their televisions, casual-fan viewers, for the

second straight week, had changed the channel by the end of the first quarter.

Alabama played the part of a well-oiled offensive machine en route to a dominating 66-3 victory over the Rebels.

The excitement was tempered a bit by the gruesome-looking knee injury to senior defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, who was carted off the field after an Ole Miss offensive lineman went low on a block in

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OLE MISS

I NSIDE T H E GA M E

E

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

ven one-sided games are decided by key plays.

Here’s a look at five of them that shaped Alabama’s 66-3 victory over Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

1. SITUATION: Third-and-four, Ole Miss ball at its own 30-yard line, under 10 minutes to go in the first quarter.

WHAT HAPPENED: Levi Wallace intercepted a short pass from Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to put Alabama ahead 14-0 after the extra point.

SIGNIFICANCE: The play gave Alabama the game’s first turnover and made it clear that Patterson, the SEC’s leading passer at more than 400 yards per game, was going to have a long night.

2. SITUATION: First-and-10, Alabama ball at its own 35-yard line, midway through the first quarter.

WHAT HAPPENED: Lining up quickly to snap the ball after a 17-yard completion to Calvin Ridley, Alabama went back to the pass. Quarterback Jalen Hurts found Cam Sims across the middle, and the wideout sprinted toward the right sideline and upfield for a 60-yard gain.

SIGNIFICANCE: It was the longest pass completion to someone other than Ridley (who previously had a 78-yarder) this season, showing that UA has other pass-catching threats. It also set up a touchdown pass to Hale Hentges two plays later to give Alabama a 21-0 lead, signaling that this was going to be a runaway victory for Alabama.

3. SITUATION: First-and-10, Alabama ball at the Ole Miss 18, early in the second quarter with a 21-3 lead.

WHAT HAPPENED: Hurts passed to wide-open running back Josh Jacobs for a touchdown.

SIGNIFICANCE: What made this play stand out was the brilliance of its design, a chance for first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to show off.

Two wideouts lined up on the left side and ran routes across the field, clearing out a linebacker. Hurts faked a handoff to Jacobs, who carried out the play fake, then acted as if he was a blocker before releasing to find himself all alone to catch the scoring pass. It was also Jacobs’ first touchdown this season after missing the first two games with injury.

4. SITUATION: Third-and-six, Ole Miss ball at the Alabama 39, early in the second quarter with Alabama up 28-3.

WHAT HAPPENED: A blitzing Minkah Fitzpatrick sacked Patterson for a 12-yard loss, ending a scoring threat.

SIGNIFICANCE: The Rebels had moved into Alabama territory with the help of pass interference and a roughingthe-passer calls. It was the last chance Ole Miss had to try to get back into the game, and was one of five UA sacks.

5. SITUATION: First-and-10, Alabama ball on its own 22-yard line, first play of the second half.

WHAT HAPPENED: Damien Harris ripped through the middle for a 46-yard gain into Ole Miss territory.

SIGNIFICANCE: Alabama, comfortably ahead by 32 points at intermission, served notice that it wasn’t looking to rest on that lead. UA stalled and had to settle for a long JK Scott field goal, but the big run made a point: the Crimson Tide wasn’t done yet.

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OLE MISS

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) dives for the goal line over Ole Miss defensive back Javien Hamilton (21) but came up just short. Ridley led the Crimson Tide with four catches for 60 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

the third quarter.

UA coach Nick Saban said Hand sustained a “MCL sprain." Defensive back Trevon Diggs sustained a foot injury.

Aside from the injuries and seven penalties, everything came up crimson for the home team.

“We had some dropped balls, we had some miscues, we had too many penalties, bull all in all I thought the players

responded well,” Saban said.

It started with 21 points in the first quarter, a continuation of the team’s fast-start ability it’s showcased nearly all season.

Alabama has outscored its opponents 76-6 in the first quarter and 128-23 in the first half this season. Dating to the Fresno State game, the Crimson Tide has scored 10 touchdowns in the first quarter. Over its last two contests, Alabama has brutalized

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Clockwise from top left, Alabama tight end Ronnie Clark (5) runs the ball into the end zone during the second half. Clark ran for 22 yards and a 9-yard touchdown. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) tries to break a tackle against Ole Miss. Harris had 43 rushing yards on seven carries with a 4-yard touchdown run. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. (24) runs the ball during the second half. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) runs in a touchdown during the second half. Tagovailoa had 37 rushing yards and a touchdown to go with his 51 passing yards and one touchdown.

[PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

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Ole Miss running back Jordan Wilkins (22) is wrapped up by Alabama defensive linemen Da’Ron Payne (94), Da’Shawn Hand (9) and Isaiah Buggs (49).

The Crimson Tide defense allowed just 253 total yards of offense by the Rebels, including 88 rushing yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

its opponents 125-3. It has outscored its three Power 5 opponents 149-10.

It ended with a defensive performance that shuttered Ole Miss’ high-flying aerial attack.

Consider the numbers with which the Rebels’ offense came to Tuscaloosa.

Thirty-six points per game. Four-hundred and twenty-seven yards passing a game. A SEC-best 7.53 yards per play.

The offense in the baby-blue helmets left town humbled, scoring only three points and throwing for 165 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Former walk-on cornerback Levi Wallace snagged his second- and third-career interceptions, taking one 35 yards for a touchdown that put Alabama ahead by 14 in the first quarter.

Hale Hentges made it 21-0 when he was

left wide open after a perfectly executed play-action pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Hurts left the game in the third quarter, giving way to freshman Tua Tagovailoa.

Hurts had 293 total yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 101 yards and a score and completed 12 of 19 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

Nine different players scored touchdowns and a total of 10 scored points when you consider the field goals of Andy Pappanastos and JK Scott.

Just as the week before, the backup players got plenty of action, including Tagovailoa, who threw for a touchdown and showed that he has a running game that must be respected. He ran for 37 yards on four carries, including a long of 16 yards.

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TEXAS A&M WHEN: 10.7.17 / WHERE: COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS / SCORE: ALABAMA 27, TEXAS A&M 19

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) can’t get away from Alabama defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (89), who sacked him for a loss. Alabama sacked Mond four times. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

T

STORY BY CECIL HURT

he Alabama avalanche did not continue this week. Only an adequate number of rocks rolled down — and that left Nick Saban seeking answers.

No. 1 Alabama had Texas A&M in position for a knockout punch early in the third quarter but the Aggies were able to bob and weave enough to stay alive until the

final whistle, falling 27-19 in a game in which the Aggies were competitive even if they didn't pull off a monumental upset.

The Crimson Tide got a 124-yard rushing performance from Damien Harris (119 yards in the first half, five in the second) and overcame the first lost fumble and blocked punt of the season to push its record to 6-0.

“The most disappointing thing to me

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I NSIDE T H E GAME

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STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

or the second straight week, Alabama was in prime time, but for the first time in a while, the team didn’t find itself with a blowout.

UA was in a dogfight.

This are the five key plays that shaped Alabama’s victory.

TOO FAST When Damien Harris took the carry off right tackle and 75 yards into the end zone, no Texas A&M defender caught him.

That’s only noteworthy for the critics who opined Harris got tracked down from behind too often last year. Never mind the fact it was a genuine track star (Adoree’ Jackson) from Southern Cal who caught him twice last season.

However, that criticism has disappeared this season, as evidenced by Harris’ long touchdown run in the first quarter.

The run also put Alabama ahead early, when the Alabama offense wasn’t in sync. Harris’ run accounted for nearly all of UA’s 82 first-quarter yardage.

POKED IT OUT With UA having just gone ahead 10-3 in the second quarter, the defense created a turnover that set up a score that gave the team a two-touchdown lead.

On the ensuing possession after Andy Pappanastos’ field goal, Josh Frazier poked the ball out of Trayveon Williams’ arm just before his knee hit the ground. Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis recovered the ball, and four plays later Alabama scored to go ahead 17-3.

KEY THIRD DOWN On the first drive of the second half, Jalen Hurts faced a third-and-four from

his own 31. Hurts found a wide open Calvin Ridley and hit him in stride, with Ridley taking it to the Texas A&M 39.

A facemask penalty at the end of the play added another 15 yards, taking the ball to the Aggies’ 24.

Alabama punched it in six plays later, including a fourth-down conversion that kept the drive alive, to take a commanding 24-3 lead.

FUMBLE! Robert Foster’s fumble on third down in the third quarter not only gave the Aggies momentum and the crowd life, but it also gave them primo field position.

The fumble by Foster, on a screen pass on third-and-12, gave Texas A&M the ball on Alabama’s 35. Eight plays later, the Aggies were in the end zone and the crowd was back in the game.

It was the first turnover of the season for Alabama, and it ended a streak of 36.5 quarters of turnover-free ball that dated to the second quarter of the 2016 Iron Bowl win against Auburn.

MINKAH MAGIC Buoyed by a JK Scott 19-yard punt, Texas A&M appeared poised to pull closer when Alabama’s standout junior defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick, stepped in front of a Kellen Mond pass to shut down an Aggies drive and keep them off the board.

Texas A&M had the ball at the Alabama 10, down by 14 points on third-and-five when Fitzpatrick nabbed his first interception of the season.

The turnover momentarily halted the Aggies’ momentum, although Texas A&M got a blocked punt for a safety on Alabama’s ensuing possession.

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Clockwise from top left, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown with Texas A&M defensive back Charles Oliver (21) arriving too late to prevent the score during the first half. Hurts rushed for 56 yards and a score and passed for 123 yards and a touchdown.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (89) and linebacker Jamey Mosley (16) celebrate a big stop during the second half. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) runs awy from pressure by Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99), who had eight tackles, including one for a loss. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

about the game is that we were up 21-3 and didn't finish,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. He also said the Crimson Tide “just didn't play as well” this week and hinted that some complacency might have set in after two easy victories.

“I'm trying to get them to stop listening to you (media) guys and listen to me,” Saban said. “All that good stuff you write is like rat poison."

All the players survived whatever dose they had ingested, although not with entirely glittering statistics.

In addition to Harris’ second 100-yard rushing game of the year, Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 13 of 22 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.

Texas A&M scored first on Daniel LaCamera’s 52-yard, the longest of his career. The 3-0 deficit was the first time

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Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) breaks off a long run against Texas A&M during the first half. Harris rushed for 124 yards and had a 75-yard touchdown run. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama has trailed since the 2017 season opener against Florida State — and lasted exactly one play from scrimmage.

Harris answered with a 75-yard touchdown run, the longest run from scrimmage of his career to give Alabama a 7-3 first quarter lead. Andy Pappanastos kicked a 34-yard field goal and Jalen Hurts added a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Crimson Tide a 17-3 lead halftime lead.

A crisp drive to open the second half culminated in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to freshman Henry Ruggs, and UA seemed in command. But the offense cooled and A&M was able to battle

back. A fourth-down pass from Aggie quarterback Kellen Mond to Christian Kirk resulted in a two-yard touchdown and a blocked punt resulted in an Aggie safety, cutting the Tide lead to 24-12.

Pappanastos kicked a 44-yard field goal with 2:09 remaining. Texas A&M tacked on a late touchdown with 17 seconds to go but could not recover the ensuing onside kick.

“We made some mistakes,” Aggie coach Kevin Sumlin said. “They took advantage of that. That's who they are. We turned the ball over, gave them the big play and that gave them some breathing room.”

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Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Aggies. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

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P L AYO F F G A M E

CLEMSON

WHEN: 01.1.18 / WHERE: NEW ORLEANS (SUGAR BOWL) / SCORE: ALABAMA 24, CLEMSON 6

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) makes a first down on the sidelines as he is forced out by Clemson linebacker James Skalski (47).

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

N

STORY BY CECIL HURT

EW ORLEANS — The third act wasn’t a drama.

Alabama vs. Clemson, Round III, didn’t resemble the national championship shootouts

of the previous two years. Instead, it was a story of revenge enacted coldly and with all the mercy of squashing a bug.

The Crimson Tide defeated Clemson, 24-6, on Monday in the Sugar Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff

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CLEMSON

Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) leaps through a hole opened by offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. (74) in the Sugar Bowl at the MercedesBenz Superdome. Harris ran for 77 yards to lead the Crimson Tide running game, which had 141 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

at the Superdome. It was more surgical and exacting in method than flashy or thrilling, but the final result was an overwhelming victory for a team that came into the postseason amid debate over its worthiness to receive the final seed in the four-team playoff.

Alabama (12-1) advances to play Georgia in the national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The

SEC champion Bulldogs (13-1) beat Oklahoma in double overtime in the Rose Bowl semifinal to earn a spot in the title contest.

After splitting the last two national championship games with the Tigers (12-2) — losing last year after beating Clemson the year before — Alabama this time disarmed its opponent, taking away its weapons with an overwhelming defensive performance. UA controlled

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P L AYO F F G A M E

I NSIDE T H E GAME

N

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

EW ORLEANS — Fairly or not, the way in which Alabama’s season would be judged this season was likely going to be decided in how the offense performed against a stout Clemson defense. It was a defense that ranked second nationally in total defense measured by yards per play coming into the game.

Never mind the fact the season rode largely on what offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s unit did, but the first-year UA assistant coach also had a lot of at stake reputationally Monday night in the Sugar Bowl.

The context of a season full of offensive highlights gets lost when all fans remember about a team is the performance they saw from the offense against Auburn 37 days ago.

It wasn’t a masterpiece, but Daboll dialed up a game plan in the semifinal that established Alabama’s toughness to get the team into the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

“The game plan was great,” junior left guard Ross Pierschbacher said. “We know they were more of a side-to-side defense. Our thinking was, if they were going to go sideways, we wanted them going backwards. We wanted to wear them out up front and go tempo on them.”

And it started from the first offensive possession, when Damien Harris went over left guard for carries of 5 and 3 yards.

Again, not high flying, but it established physicality. Harris finished with 77 yards and a 4.1-yards-per-carry average.

As for the passing game, it was meant to be efficient, not flashy.

Daboll showed creativity — a

play-action bootleg pass to jumbo defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne, who plays a fullback in certain goal-line packages.

There was a little trickery too — it didn’t work, but his flea-flicker call to Calvin Ridley could have been a big play had the pass not been underthrown. There were smart passes called — with a quarterback who struggles to consistently complete the intermediate and deep throws, Daboll called for Jalen Hurts to throw swing passes to running backs and quick slants and screens to wide receivers.

Hurts completed 16 of 24 passes for 120 yard and two touchdowns.

And of course he fed the running backs the ball —Harris had more carries in the first quarter Monday night than he did in the entirety of the Auburn game. Against Auburn, UA running backs totaled 18 rushes. Against Clemson that total was 31.

Daboll called an offensive game plan for the players with which he had to work. In other words, Daboll called a game that gave Hurts the best chance to be successful.

And he ran the ball.

“He put us in the best position to be successful all night,” Harris said.

“We really feel like we dominated from start to finish in the game.”

And, for the most part, he called a game that kept Alabama on schedule, allowing it to convert 8 of 17 third downs.

“Sometimes it was only a 2- or 3-yard run, but we kind of knew that,” running backs coach Burton Burns said.

“I thought we kind of stayed out of some third and longs today.”

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.

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CLEMSON

Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99) corrals Clemson running back Darien Rencher (21). Alabama’s defense limited Clemson to just 64 rushing yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

field position and found enough opportunities to put points on the board.

“The guys played with a relentless competitive attitude,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “I mean, they were warriors out there on this field.

“This was a tough game. Clemson has a good team, and I can’t be prouder of a bunch of guys for the way they

competed in the game for 60 minutes. They just did a fantastic job.”

Alabama answered critics who suggested that it was not worthy of the fourth and final seed in the playoff field with a suffocating performance.

“We just wanted to prove to all the doubters and the naysayers that we’re a really dominant team and we haven’t

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Alabama defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne catches a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts during the second half. Payne set up the Crimson Tide score earlier by intercepting a pass. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

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P L AYO F F G A M E

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley celebrates his touchdown catch in the first half. Ridley caugh four passes for 39 yards.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

really lost anything,” said defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne, who intercepted a pass and caught a trick-play touchdown pass.

Alabama’s first scoring drive netted a 3-0 lead on a 24-yard Andy Pappanastos field goal. Late in the first quarter, Jalen Hurts found Calvin Ridley for a 12-yard touchdown pass for a 10-0 lead.

The Tigers answered with their best drive of the night, but that stalled and Clemson settled for a field goal.

Alabama missed a field-goal try in the final seconds of the first half and took a mere 10-3 lead into the locker room despite outgaining Clemson 182 yards to 73 in the first two quarters.

Hurts fumbled away Alabama’s first snap of the second half, setting up the Tigers in favorable field position. This was the chance Clemson needed, but it didn't do much with it. UA’s defense pushed the Tigers back five yards on three snaps

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P L AYO F F G A M E

Alabama defensive linemen Da’Ron Payne (94) and Raekwon Davis (99) celebrate Payne’s interception in the third quarter.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

and held Clemson to another field goal.

And that was all the Tigers got.

Clemson gained just 188 yards on 70 snaps: 2.7 yards per play.

Payne started and finished things all by himself in the third quarter. He intercepted a pass, with an assist from Anfernee Jennings’ big hit as Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant released the ball, and then lined up as a fullback to catch a 1-yard touchdown pass to cap the

Crimson Tide’s subsequent possession.

That put UA up 17-6 with 5:35 to go in the third quarter, and Mack Wilson returned an interception 18 yards for a score on Clemson’s next snap.

The rest of the game was an exercise in grinding Clemson down and running out the clock. The ending of the third act was anticlimactic, but the curtain closed with Alabama moving on to play for a national championship yet again.

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CLEMSON

Clockwise from top left, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) tight-ropes the sideline during a scramble. Hurts rushed for 40 yards on 11 rush attempts. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) lift the Sugar Bowl trophy after the victory over Clemson. [STAFF PHOTO/ GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson (30) picks off a pass and returns it for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was the second touchdown scored for the Crimson Tide in a span of 13 seconds. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) runs after catching a pass from Jalen Hurts. The pass went for 22 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] 46

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GEORGIA

WHEN: 01.08.18 / WHERE: ATLANTA / SCORE: ALABAMA 26, GEORGIA 23 (OVERTIME)

Alabama head coach Nick Saban hoists the championship trophy up as the Crimson Tide celebrates a 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It’s the Crimson Tide’s 17th overall championship and its fifth in the last nine years. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

A

STORY BY CECIL HURT

TLANTA — Dynasties die hard.

The University of Alabama’s time at the top of college football’s summit hung in the

balance as the ball spiraled out of Tua Tagovailoa’s left hand toward the end zone in overtime on Monday night.

The Alabama era seemed at an end just moments earlier in the College Football Playoff Championship Game

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GEORGIA

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his game-winning touchdown catch against Georgia. Smith caught a 41-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa in overtime. It was his only catch of the game. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

when the freshman quarterback was pounded into the turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a 16-yard loss. Georgia was up by a field goal and the Crimson Tide was facing second-and-forever, 41 yards from a winning touchdown and three plays away from defeat.

Tagovailoa didn’t blink. He took the snap and recognized Georgia’s coverage.

He looked off a safety and heaved the ball to DeVonta Smith, a freshman who had caught just seven passes all season, as he crossed the goal line.

The unlikely touchdown connection — freshman to freshman with everything on the line on the game’s biggest stage — gave Alabama a 26-23 victory and the 17th national championship in school history.

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I NSIDE T H E GAME

A

STORY BY TERRIN WAACK

TLANTA — A beautiful throw for a storybook ending.

Alabama’s 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff Championship Game was far from perfect, but the very last play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium was flawless. After having just been sacked, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sent a 41-yard prayer to fellow true freshman DeVonta Smith as he made his way down the left sideline to the end zone.

“I was just like, 'Catch it,'” Smith said, “'and we win.'”

And boy, did Alabama win. The Crimson Tide secured its 17th national championship title with that overtime bomb.

It accomplished something that seemed to be slipping away by halftime.

The Crimson Tide trailed 13-0 after the first two quarters. Its offense produced a measly 94 total yards compared to Georgia’s 223. There was no rhythm, no groove in which to be settled.

“We have to do something,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said at halftime.

Oh, he did. Saban pulled starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and tossed Tagovailoa in the spotlight.

Hurts started every game this season.

Tagovailoa had played in eight of Alabama’s 13 prior games, but never with the outcome on the line. This was big.

“We just can’t move the ball effectively,” Saban said at halftime. “We haven’t been able to throw it effectively at all, and I don’t think it’s just all the quarterback. I think it’s the whole group.”

Well, perhaps. But the fact remains that Hurts wasn’t helping the situation. Through

two quarters, Hurts completed three of eight passes for 21 yards. He also carried the ball six times for 47 yards.

Enter Tagovailoa.

“I was there for my team,” Hurts said. “Very supportive, like he has been for me all year.”

The first thing Tagovailoa did as the Crimson Tide’s master was run for 4 yards on his own. He then hit UA tight end Hale Hentges with a 2-yard pass. On third and four, Tagovailoa was sacked for a loss of 4 yards.

Alabama went three-and-out to open the second half with Tagovailoa, something Hurts did three times in the first half.

That was just a warmup. Tua time.

“Everybody was saying one thing,” Smith said. “It’s ain’t over until the last whistle.”

Clearly not.

The next drive, Tagovailoa moved Alabama down the field. His first move was a deep shot to wide receiver Calvin Ridley, but he threw just a little too far. That didn’t end up mattering because six plays later, Tagovailoa connected with wide receiver Henry Ruggs III for a 6-yard touchdown pass.

Hurts was one of the first people to find Tagovailoa in celebration.

“I love you,” the veteran told the rookie.

“This is what you were made for.”

He was made to complete 14 of his 24 passes for 166 yards and to run for 27 yards on 12 carries. He was also made to throw an interception, because nobody is perfect.

Most importantly, Tagovailoa was made to throw that dime of a pass to Smith in the end zone and win the biggest game of the season for the Crimson Tide.

“I was surprised he threw it, but he threw it,” Hurts said. “He made the play.”

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Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches the gamewinning touchdown in overtime. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] 50

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CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) breaks away from Georgia defenders in the second half. Harris led the Crimson Tide with 64 yards on just six carries, including a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Gold streamers rained down from the domed stadium’s roof as Alabama players rushed the field in celebration.

The dynasty would live on, with Alabama winning its fifth national championship since the 2009 season.

Alabama coach Nick Saban — who tied the late Paul W. “Bear” Bryant with his sixth national championship, most by any collegiate coach ever — watched that pass leave Tua’s hand. He followed its trajectory and saw the receiver breaking open. He saw touchdown.

“Couldn’t believe it. Could not believe it,” he said.

The Crimson Tide team believed.

It believed when Georgia led 13-0 at halftime, dominating Alabama and cashing in a touchdown in the final second before intermission.

It believed when Tua, the rookie from Hawaii, was tabbed to take over for Jalen Hurts — UA’s starting quarterback all season — in the locker room at the midpoint of the biggest game of the season Alabama believed when Jonah Williams, a stalwart at left tackle, went down with an injury.

It kept believing as it clawed back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth

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GEORGIA

Clockwise from top left, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) escapes a sack by the Georgia defense and runs for a 9-yard gain in the third quarter. Tagovailoa passed for 166 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 27 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Raekwon Davis catches a deflected pass from Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm in the third quarter. Davis returned the interception 19 yards, setting up a Crimson Tide touchdown.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama wide receiver Cam Sims (17) holds onto the ball for a reception during the second half. Sims’ catch was for 13 yards.

[STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99) sacks Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. Alabama sacked Fromm four times, including a big one in overtime, which forced the Bulldogs to kick a field goal. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

quarter and even after missing a field goal that could have won the game on the final play of intermission.

“We have to do something,” Saban said as he left the field at halftime.

What Alabama did was change quarterbacks. Hurts had gone 3-for-8 passing for 21 yards and rushed for 47 yards on six attempts.

Alabama’s offense wasn’t working.

“They were struggling,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a longtime Saban assistant at Alabama before taking over the Bulldogs’ program two seasons ago. “They needed momentum. He provided them some juice.”

Tagovailoa went three-and-out on the first possession of the third quarter,

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Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to tie the game 20-20 in the fourth quarter.

Ridley caught four passes for 32 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

and scrambled for nine yards on thirdand-seven to keep the next drive alive.

He kept pressing, finding receivers with the ball and pushing downfield until he passed to Henry Ruggs III for a 6-yard touchdown. Andy Pappanastos’ extrapoint kick cut Georgia’s lead to 13-7.

The Bulldogs answered right back with an 80-yard touchdown

pass from Jake Fromm to Mercole Hardman for a 20-7 lead.

Georgia didn’t score again until overtime as Alabama’s defense clamped down.

And Tagovailoa did not relent. He threw an interception, but UA got it right back when massive defensive lineman Raekwon Davis picked off a deflected pass. Six plays later, Pappanastos kicked a 43-yard

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GEORGIA

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) and linebacker Rashaan Evans celebrate with the trophy after beating Georgia. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

field goal and UA cut the lead to 20-10.

With a spark from freshman running back Najee Harris, Alabama drove to a 30-yard field goal with 9:24 to go in regulation to move within a touchdown, and Tagovailoa threw a 7-yard, fourth-down touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley with 3:49 remaining to tie it.

Alabama had a chance to win it on a 36-yard field goal try on the last play of regulation, but it sailed wide left.

Georgia took a sack on its overtime

possession, but Rodrigo Blankenship booted a 51-yard field goal to give Georgia a 23-20 lead. When Tagovailoa was sacked on UA’s first overtime snap, it looked like that margin would hold.

But looks can fool you when an era hangs in the balance, because dynasties don’t die easily.

“After the sack we just looked toward the next play,” the young quarterback said. “I hit him, and here we are now."

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ARKANSAS WHEN: 10.14.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 41, ARKANSAS 9

Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99) hits Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley as he helps sack him for a loss. It was one of five sacks by the Alabama defense. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

T

STORY BY CECIL HURT

here isn’t really a script for homecoming games but if there were, No. 1 Alabama’s 41-9 win against Arkansas would be the blueprint.

The game didn’t end on a one-punch knockout, even though Alabama running back Damien Harris made an effort at that with a 75-yard touchdown run on Alabama’s first play from scrimmage. After

that, there was never any real drama, even if there might have been the usual homecoming distraction. The Crimson Tide built a 17-0 first-quarter lead, holding the Razorbacks comfortably at bay despite two turnovers and 66 yards in penalties.

“I think we learned a lot of lessons in the Texas A&M game,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “We had a little better week of practice this week and I thought the effort was good tonight.

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Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) is brought down by Arkansas defensive back Henre’ Toliver (5). [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

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ARKANSAS

Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (20) tackles Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley as defensive lineman Johnny Dwight (95) moves in to assist during the second half. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Obviously we have some things to clean up but we had good balance on offense and the defense did a good job of making (Arkansas) one-dimensional.”

Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) had a 17-point lead midway through the first quarter thanks to two Harris touchdown runs, the 75-yarder and later a 4-yarder, wrapped around an Andy Pappanastos field goal.

The Crimson Tide upped its lead to 24-0

on a Jalen Hurts 11-yard scoring run with just over a minute to go in the half.

Arkansas, with redshirt freshman Cole Kelley making his first career start, moved the ball at times. The 6-foot-7 Kelley completed 23 of 42 passes for 200 yards even though he was sacked five times and harassed steadily by the Alabama defense.

“He was big,” Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans. “But he had to go down.”

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ARKANSAS

Clockwise from top left, Alabama wide receiver Cam Sims (17) catches a pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts during the second half. Sims had two catches for 20 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) leaps over Arkansas defensive back Nate Dalton (13) and defensive back Reid Miller (38). Harris ran for just 33 yards but scored a touchdown for the Crimson Tide. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama defensive lineman Johnny Dwight (95) flies over the top and hits Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley (15) as he throws a sideways pass to avoid the sack. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama running back Josh Jacobs (8) makes a tackle on special teams as Arkansas wide receiver De’Vion Warren (9) returns a kick. [STAFF PHOTO/ GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama punter JK Scott (10) boots a kick. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] 60

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ARKANSAS

Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) skips over Arkansas defensive back Kamren Curl (2) for a touchdown. Hurst passed for 155 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 41 yards and a score. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

The Crimson Tide got touchdowns from two members of its own freshman contingent in the second half as Henry Ruggs III caught a 20-yard pass from Hurts and Najee Harris had a 4-yard touchdown run.

Hurts finished with 155 yards passing on 12 completions (19 attempts) to eight different receivers. Harris had a second straight 100-yard rushing game, gaining 125 yards on nine carries and raising his season total to 625 yards on 68 carries, an

average of 9.2 yards per rush.

“I thought Damien had some really nice runs,” Saban said. “Bo (Scarbrough) got going a little bit. We need more weapons in the future.”

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said the slow start hampered his team, which fell to 2-4 and 0-3 in the conference.

“The way we started defensively was very disheartening,” Bielema said. “I thought they rebounded and played better in the first half. We tried hard but we didn’t have the horses.”

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TENNESSEE WHEN: 10.21.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 45, TENNESSEE 7

Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) runs the ball toward the end zone during the first half. Harris led the Crimson Tide running game with 72 yards on 13 carries with an 11-yard score. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

T

STORY BY CECIL HURT

he lyrics of the song assure that “there ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top.” Bryant-Denny Stadium?

That’s a different story.

For the 11th straight year, Alabama players fans were able to light up their traditional cigars and enjoy a few relaxed puffs of victory, this time in a one-sided 45-7 blowout of Tennessee,

a team that seems as far from being a worthy rival as it has in 100 years.

No. 1-ranked Alabama rolled up 604 yards on offense. The Crimson Tide defense held UT to 108 yards and no points — Tennessee’s lone touchdown came on a 97-yard interception return by Daniel Bituli in the third quarter. The defense even generated a stadium-shaking roar — one of the few in a game that was decided

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TENNESSEE

I NSIDE T H E GAME

I

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

t’s the question that continues to gnaw away in the back of Alabama fans’ minds. To the optimists, the passing game continues to make strides and get better. To the pessimists, who might be in the minority but might also make the most noise, the passing game is a weakness that will get the Crimson Tide beat when it runs into a better opponent.

The answer, of course, is that time will tell, but the numbers from Alabama's 45-7 victory over Tennessee show progress.

Alabama threw for a season-high 332 yards, completed passes to eight different receivers and showed a steady progression throughout the game. Starter Jalen Hurts passed for 46 yards in the first quarter, 98 in the second and 54 in the third quarter before being lifted in place of Tua Tagovailoa after the first offensive series of the second half. Tagovailoa threw for 60 yards in the third quarter and 74 in the fourth.

Tennessee came in with a defensive game plan others before had attempted, to load the box and force Alabama to throw the ball. With a strong play-action run threat, Hurts answered, showing he’s getting more and more comfortable passing over the middle of the field.

“It’s critical that we take positive strides (in that regard),” Hurts said.

Hurts’ 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Irv Smith Jr., was a direct result of the play action.

“The linebackers came down and Irv did his job running a good route and getting open and I gave him the ball and he scored,” Hurts said.

Hurts finished with his secondbest passing performance of the season with 198 yards on 13 of 21 attempts. He only played in six drives in the game and the offense scored touchdowns on four of them.

MIDDLE OF THE FIELD OPENING UP Hurts’ comfort level in throwing across the middle and his talents in the play-action naked bootleg plays have added elements to the passing game.

“When you can run the ball and kind of create a threat for their defense, it’s always beneficial for us knowing that we can drop back and run a play-action (pass) or a naked (boot), so it always helps us,” Hurts said.

UA coach Nick Saban liked the balance the offensive provided, especially in the second half.

“To have balance on offense is really, really important,” he said. “We didn’t do a good job in the first half controlling the line of scrimmage. They were doing a lot of corner cats and a lot of star fires. They were loading the box all day. Really, they’re almost forcing you to throw the ball.

“We made some plays in the passing game. Jalen did a nice job. I thought some of the play-action passes that we threw in the second half were certainly instrumental in us loosening them up a little bit.”

Tagovailoa continued to show a big arm with a quick release, and despite an interception that was returned 97 yards for a touchdown, he was an efficient 9 of 12 for 134 yards and a touchdown.

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TENNESSEE

Alabama fans smoke cigars after the Crimson Tide’s 11th straight victory over the Volunteers. [PHOTO/JAKE ARTHUR]

by halftime — with a late goal-line stand.

“I’m excited, pleased and happy that we were able to win this game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It’s a big game for us, a big game for a lot of our people.

“I thought we came out in the second half and were more physical.”

That came after a week in which Saban described practice as “sluggish,” resulting in a “come to Jesus” meeting in which Saban again discussed the importance of individual motivation in the face of

overwhelming acclaim. Despite that, Tennessee probably felt Alabama was more than sufficiently motivated.

The Crimson Tide had some fits and starts offensively in the first half but managed to finish two touchdown drives with Bo Scarborough going over the top of the defensive line for one-yard scores. Damien Harris added a third UA touchdown with 1:18 remaining in the half, giving Alabama a 21-0 lead.

The second half was more crisply

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TENNESSEE

Clockwise from top left, Alabama kicker Andy Pappanastos (12) kicks the extra point during the fourth quarter. He connected on all six of the Crimson Tide’s PATs and hit a 25-yard field goal.

[PHOTO/JAKE ARTHUR]

Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (9) leaps over the Tennessee defense to score a touchdown during the first half.

It was the second time Scarbrough dove over the defense for a score against the Vols. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) celebrates his touchdown after catching a pass from Tua Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter. [PHOTO/JAKE ARTHUR]

Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans (32) sacks Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. Evans had six tackles, including two for a loss. [STAFF PHOTO/ GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) celebrates after a big play. The Crimson Tide defense limited the Vols to 108 total yards, including 64 rushing yards and 44 passing yards. [PHOTO/ JAKE ARTHUR]

Alabama tight end Hale Hentges (84) makes a catch and breaks a tackle by Tennessee defensive back Nigel Warrior. Hentges caught two passes for 34 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

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TENNESSEE

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) sprints hard for the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa passed for 134 yards and a touchdown and ran for 36 yards and a 23-yard score. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

played. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts played just two series after halftime, completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Irv Smith Jr., ending the game with 198 yards passing on 13 of 21 accuracy. Backup Tua Tagovailoa completed 9 of 12 passes for 134 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown to fellow freshman Henry Ruggs III (who with five career receptions for five touchdowns) and added a 23-yard touchdown on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Alabama defense limited UT to just 42 yards in the second half. The Volunteers did not have an offensive play that covered more than 20 yards in the game.

“You aren’t going to go out and have methodical drives against that defense,” said embattled Tennessee coach Butch Jones. “You’ve got to make big plays. We didn’t do that.”

The loss was Tennessee’s third in a row and dropped the Volunteers to 3-4. Alabama is off to an 8-0 start for the eighth time in 11 seasons under Saban. Alabama is 5-0 in the SEC. With its 11th consecutive win in the series, Alabama equaled its run from 1971 through 1981 under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The win was also Alabama’s 22nd straight against SEC competition, including two wins in the SEC Championship Game.

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LSU WHEN: 11.04.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 24, LSU 10

LSU running back Derrius Guice (5) is tackled by Alabama defensive back Anthony Averett (28) and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (49) during the first half. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

I

STORY BY CECIL HURT

n a season where victories have usually come comfortably, No. 1 Alabama finally had to fight its way until the end.

The Crimson Tide prevailed 24-10 over No. 19 LSU, but not without being pushed into the fourth quarter. LSU (6-3) outgained the Crimson Tide, 306 yards to 299, and while the Tigers never came within a single

possession after two Crimson Tide touchdowns in the first 16 minutes of play, they did push Alabama into the fourth quarter and weren’t finally extinguished until Alabama freshman Dylan Moses sacked LSU backup quarterback Myles Brennan on the last Tiger drive with 2:17 to play.

The victory also came at a high cost to Alabama. Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson, two stalwarts who had

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LSU

I NSIDE T H E GAME

A

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

labama didn’t turn in a film reel full of highlights against LSU, but these plays made the difference in the 24-10 win.

1. SITUATION: LSU had first and 10 to start a drive on its own 39 late in the first quarter.

WHAT HAPPENED: Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison read the eyes of quarterback Danny Etling and jumped the route of his man to intercept a pass and return it to the 37.

SIGNIFICANCE: This gave Alabama excellent field position to start its second touchdown drive of the game. The Crimson Tide eventually scored on a 9-yard touchdown run from Bo Scarbrough. Alabama was facing third-and-six from the 33 before that run, but Hurts hit Calvin Ridley for 24 yards to keep the drive going.

2. SITUATION: Alabama was facing thirdand-11 on its own nine during its second drive of the game.

WHAT HAPPENED: Jalen Hurts delivered a pass in the middle of the field to Calvin Ridley for 15 yards and a first down.

SIGNIFICANCE: The Crimson Tide had already gone three-and-out on its first drive.

Punting from this spot could have given LSU strong field position in a scoreless game.

Instead, Alabama dug its way out of the thirdand-long to spark a 90-yard touchdown drive.

Alabama took a 7-0 lead on a touchdown pass to Irv Smith Jr. to cap it off.

3. SITUATION: LSU was trailing 21-3 with first down at its own 44 late in the third quarter.

WHAT HAPPENED: Running back Darrel Williams busted through untouched for a 54-yard run before Alabama defensive backs

Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace ran him down two yards shy of the end zone.

SIGNIFICANCE: Williams punched it in for a touchdown two plays later to cut the lead to 21-10. The Tigers hung around for much of the fourth quarter as a result of this touchdown, but couldn’t capitalize and score again.

4. SITUATION: Alabama was already in field goal range, but facing second and 10 from the 25 in the third quarter with a 14-3 lead.

WHAT HAPPENED: Hurts found Calvin Ridley on a slant, who then spun around and took off. Ridley fought his way inside the five for a 22-yard reception before he was brought down. Alabama scored on a three-yard run from Hurts on the next play to push its lead to 21-3.

SIGNIFICANCE: LSU scored on its next drive to cut the lead to two possessions. Without this touchdown, Alabama would have entered the fourth quarter holding a one-score lead.

5. SITUATION: LSU was facing thirdand-six and as it approached midfield with just under seven minutes in the game, trailing 24-10.

WHAT HAPPENED: Quarterback Danny Etling dropped back to pass only to find his receivers covered up. He tried rolling out to his left to buy some more time as the Alabama defense broke through, but Da’Ron Payne and Dylan Moses wrapped him up for a 12-yard sack.

SIGNIFICANCE: That put LSU in fourthand-18 with no choice but to punt. A false start set the Tigers back five more yards. Alabama took over with a two-score lead and 6:22 to play. LSU had another chance, but couldn’t get out of their own territory. Moses ended that drive with a fourth-down sack of quarterback Myles Brennan.

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LSU

Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) finds a small hole in the middle of the LSU defense. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

stepped up on an already-depleted linebacker corps, were injured — Hamilton with a knee injury and Wilson with a foot injury — and, according to UA head coach Nick Saban, are “probably out,” presumably for the long term. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick also had to leave the game twice in the first half and while he returned for spot duty, he will have an MRI on his hamstring on Sunday.

“A costly win,” Saban said.

Alabama scored the only touchdown of the first quarter on a 4-yard pass from Jalen Hurts to Irv Smith. A Ronnie Harrison interception late in the quarter set up a second touchdown on a 9-yard Bo Scarborough run. But for much of the game, Alabama had difficulty moving the ball.

“It wasn’t good,” Saban said. “They played an eight-man front most of the

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LSU

LSU linebacker Arden Key (49) tackles Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (9) during the first half. Scarbrough ran for just 39 yards but had a 9-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

time. They played man-to-man coverage and we need to beat man-to-man.”

Hurts ended up as Alabama’s leading rusher despite being sacked four times.

The sophomore gained 44 yards on 14 carries. The Crimson Tide’s top two running backs, Damien Harris and Scarborough, each finished with less than 40 yards.

Still, Alabama was able to push its lead to 21-3 on a Hurts touchdown run with 2:55 remaining in the third quarter.

LSU answered with its lone touchdown run, as Darrel Williams took a direct snap and ran 54 yards to the Crimson

Tide 2. He scored two plays later.

The Alabama defense kept LSU’s passing game in check, however.

Danny Etling completed 12 of 26 passes for just 137 yards and was sacked four times before giving way to Brennan in the fourth quarter.

The LSU offense was further frustrated by the punting of Alabama’s JK Scott, who averaged 51.6 yards on eight kicks and pinned LSU inside its 20-yard line with six of those punts.

The win pushed Alabama to 9-0 and 6-0 in the SEC.

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LSU

Clockwise from top left, LSU wide receiver Russell Gage (83) is brought down by the Alabama defense during the first half.

[STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

LSU safety John Battle (26) breaks up a pass in the end zone to Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6). [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) makes a tackle on a leaping LSU wide receiver Russell Gage. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts motions to the crowd before the game. Hurts passed for 183 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 44 yards and a score. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) makes a catch and run for a first down with LSU safety Grant Delpit (9) tackling him. Smith had two catches, including one for a 4-yard touchdown. [STAFF PHOTO/ GARY COSBY JR.]

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MISSISSIPPI STATE WHEN: 11.11.17 / WHERE: STARKVILLE, MISS. / SCORE: ALABAMA 31, MISSISSIPPI STATE 24

Alabama wide receiver Cam Sims (17) holds on to the ball as he is knocked down by Mississippi State defensive back Brandon Bryant (1) during the first half. Sims’ catch went for 18 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

S

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

TARKVILLE, Miss. — It was all they could do to block out the noise, but they did.

With the thunderous echoes of cowbell and an overcharged sound system ringing in his ears, Jalen Hurts stood in the pocket with an all-out blitz coming right up the middle and gunned a quick slant to Calvin Ridley for 31 yards that converted a third-and-15.

A play later, Hurts again stood in the pocket and rifled a game-winning 26-yard touchdown pass to Devonta Smith that completed an Alabama come-frombehind 31-24 win against No. 18 Mississippi State in Davis Wade Stadium.

“Sometimes you win a game like this and it does a lot for everyone coming together,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said.

The win maintains Alabama’s onegame lead over Auburn in the SEC West.

The two teams meet Nov. 25. The winner will claim the West division crown.

For much of the game, No. 1 Alabama was outplayed, bullied on both sides of the ball by a more physical Bulldogs team. The UA offensive line didn’t open many holes between the tackles and the defensive line, and linebackers got whipped by an aggressive Mississippi State offensive line as well as physical runners in running back Aeris “A-Train” Williams and quarterback Nick Fitzgerald.

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MISSISSIPPI STATE

I NSIDE T H E GAME

S

STORY BY TOMMY DEAS

TARKVILLE, Miss. – Coaching always plays a role in football games, and that’s even more true in close-fought contests.

Here’s a look at five key coaching decisions that helped shape the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide’s 31-24 victory over 18th-ranked Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium.

1. THE SITUATION: Mississippi State faced fourth-and-two at the Alabama 36-yard line about six minutes into the first quarter.

THE DECISION: MSU coach Dan Mullen left his offense on the field. The Bulldogs attempted a hard count to get Alabama to jump offside, but the Crimson Tide didn’t bite. Mississippi State took a 5-yard delay of game penalty and elected to punt.

THE OUTCOME: MSU pinned Alabama at its own 5. After a three-and-out, UA punted right back, giving Mississippi State a short field. The result was a 52-yard drive to its first touchdown and an early 7-0 lead.

2. THE SITUATION: Alabama was having trouble stopping Mississippi State early and needed to spark its offense.

THE DECISION: Targeting Calvin Ridley.

THE OUTCOME: Ridley caught a pass for a 63-yard gain on Alabama’s first touchdown drive and hauled in a 61-yard catch in UA’s next possession to set up another score.

Ridley’s contributions continued throughout the game in key spots.

3. THE SITUATION: Mississippi State went up 24-17 on a field goal less than a minute into the fourth quarter. The cowbells

were ringing and MSU’s stadium was rocking.

The Bulldogs could smell an upset.

THE DECISION: Alabama doubled down on the ground game, calling for runs on 8 of 10 plays on its next possession.

THE OUTCOME: The Crimson Tide took physical control of the contest. Josh Jacobs gashed the MSU defense for gains of 7 and 13 yards, Hurt ripped off gains of 8, 14, 13 and 7 yards and Damien Harris finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run that tied the game with 9:49 to go.

4. THE SITUATION: On that game-tying drive, Alabama found itself facing fourthand-four at the Mississippi State 34-yard line.

THE DECISION: UA coach Nick Saban elected to go for it. It wasn’t a big gamble considering UA was out of easy field goal range and would have gained little in field position with a punt, but it was a necessary risk.

The outcome: Hurts faded back to pass, saw no one open and scrambled as the middle of the field opened up, gaining 13 yards. Two plays later, Alabama scored.

5. THE SITUATION: Alabama took possession at its own 32 with the game tied and just 1:09 to go.

THE DECISION: Putting the game in Hurts’ hands. The Crimson Tide didn’t get conservative with the prospect of overtime waiting.

THE OUTCOME: Alabama’s sophomore quarterback stepped up and made plays. He completed 3 of 4 pass attempts (with the only incompletion a throwaway to avoid a loss) for 72 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith that held up as the game-winner.

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MISSISSIPPI STATE

Clockwise from top left, Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs celebrates after a play during the second half against Mississippi State. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

Mississippi State running back Nick Gibson (21) is brought down by Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans (32) and defensive back Hootie Jones (6) during the second half. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs by Mississippi State defensive back Johnathan Abram (38) for the go-ahead touchdown during fourth quarter. Smith’s 26-yard score clinched the win for the Crimson Tide. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER] Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts carries for a short gain against Mississippi State during the second half. Hurts had 242 passing yards with a touchdown and 40 rushing yards with one score.

Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) is brought down by Mississippi State linebacker Erroll Thompson (40) during the first half. Harris led Alabama with 93 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON] Alabama head coach Nick Saban yells instructions on the sideline against Mississippi State. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

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MISSISSIPPI STATE

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a pass and runs downfield trailed by Mississippi State defensive back Jamal Peters (2) during the first half. Ridley caught five passes for 171 yards, including one for 63 yards. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

With about a minute gone in the fourth quarter, Alabama’s offense had possessed the ball 11:29 of the nearly 46 minutes played.

But something changed in the final quarter, as the Crimson Tide found some success running the ball on the perimeter of the defense and the passing game clicked when it had to as the offense produced scoring drives of 82 and 68 yards to tie the game and win it, respectively.

Ridley had his best game of the season with five receptions for 171 yards, including grabs of 63, 61 and 31 yards. Ridley never found the end zone, but those three big grabs on three separate drives helped the offense find the end zone each time, resulting in 21 points.

Alabama rushed for 202 yards (5.3 per carry) and the running game produced three touchdowns, one each by Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs and Hurts.

Jacobs provided what Saban described as a “spark” in the fourth quarter with runs of 11, 13 and 7 yards

on a drive that tied the game at 24-24 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The defense then got a much-needed stop to get the ball back to its offense.

On its next offensive possession, Alabama again drove the field but Andy Pappanastos’ 41-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright for his first miss since the Ole Miss game on Sept. 30.

After another defensive stop, the passing game won it. Hurts completed a throw of 15 yards to Ridley before again finding Ridley and Smith to give Alabama the win.

Hurts was 10 of 19 passing for 242 yards, his second-most productive throwing game of the season (he had 248 yards against Colorado State).

During his postgame press conference, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said Ridley was the different in the game. “(Ridley) was the best player on the field tonight,” he said.

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MERCER WHEN: 11.18.17 / WHERE: TUSCALOOSA / SCORE: ALABAMA 56, MERCER 0

Alabama tight end Hale Hentges (84) blocks Mercer defensive back Malique Fleming (5) to allow tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) to score a touchdown.

[STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

I

STORY BY CECIL HURT

n No. 1 Alabama’s final home game of the 2017 season, Nick Saban showed a side that sometimes goes unnoticed.

He was emotional — and generous.

The generosity was evident in the offensive output as eight different players scored touchdowns in a 56-0 rout of FCS opponent Mercer. Quarterbacks Jalen

Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa each threw three touchdown passes — the first time two quarterbacks have each had three touchdown passes in a game in school history.

In the end, Alabama won its 73rd consecutive game against an unranked opponent, tying an NCAA record.

The emotion came when Saban talked about a senior class that has won 51 games in four years at Alabama.

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MERCER

Clockwise from top left, Alabama linebacker Joshua McMillon (40), linebacker Keith Holcombe (42) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92) combine to tackle Mercer running back CJ Leggett (7). [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Senior players, including receiver Cam Sins (17) were honored along with their families before Alabama’s game with Mercer. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Mercer running back CJ Leggett (7) is tackled by Alabama linebackers Dylan Moses (18) and Jamey Mosley (16). [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.] Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) leaps over defenders during a run. Harris had 24 rushing yards and scored on a 3-yard run. [PHOTO/LAURA CHRAMER]

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MERCER

Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (9) breaks a tackle by Mercer linebacker Kyle Williams (51) as he gets loose for a long run. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

“There were two things we wanted to do today,” Saban said in his postgame press conference. “We wanted to play to a standard and create momentum as we move forward and we wanted to win for our seniors.

“I think the players that play here develop a real affinity for the tradition, for what it means to play football here… I thought our seniors played well and I think the other guys played well for them.”

The statistics bore that out as Alabama outgained the visiting Bears, 530 yards to 161, despite inserting reserves in the game beginning in the second quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Hurts led Alabama to touchdowns on all four drives that he played. He was 7-for-7 for 180 yards and threw short touchdown passes to Irv Smith and Josh Jacobs, as well as a 66-yarder to a wide open Calvin Ridley. Najee Harris added a 3-yard

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MERCER

Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. (24) scoots into the end zone for a touchdown. Robinson rushed for 50 yards on seven carries. [STAFF PHOTO/ GARY COSBY JR.]

touchdown run as UA built a 28-0 lead in the first 17 minutes of play.

Ridley had 103 receiving yards on three catches and is averaging 34.5 yards per reception over the last two games.

Tagovailoa came on and picked up where Hurts left off, completing touchdown passes to Hale Hentges, Cam Sims and Derrick Kief. Former Hillcrest High School star Brian Robinson added the

final rushing touchdown on a 6-yard run.

Bo Scarborough led Alabama with 54 yards rushing on five carries.

Walk-on Austin Johnson, a junior from Elba, came in as the third quarterback, his first game action for the Crimson Tide.

Defensively, Alabama didn’t entirely stifle Mercer. The Bears’ Cole Fisher narrowly missed a 52-yard field goal try that bounced off the crossbar on the

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MERCER

Alabama wide receiver Xavian Marks (19) is flipped by Mercer defensive back BJ Bohler (26) during a kick return. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

first Mercer possession. The Bears also turned the ball over twice in Alabama territory. But UA did have three interceptions and freshman linebacker Dylan Moses had a career game with 11 tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage. Moses also had one of the Crimson Tide’s three interceptions.

Afterwards, Mercer coach Bobby Lamb was asked to

compare Alabama (11-0) to its upcoming opponent, Auburn.

“We were able to move the ball a little bit better here,” said Lamb, whose team lost 24-10 at Auburn in September. “This team here is really good in all phases of the game and when you add a punter (JK Scott) that can kick it to the moon and back, this is a very difficult football team.”

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AUBURN WHEN: 11.25.17 / WHERE: AUBURN / SCORE: AUBURN 26, ALABAMA 14

Alabama defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) tackles Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during the second half. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

A

STORY BY CECIL HURT

UBURN — There was no Kick Six this time, just Kick Butt.

The No. 6-ranked Auburn Tigers controlled most of the game, dominating time of possession, dominating on third downs and taking a comfortable 26-14 victory over No. 1 Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The 12-point margin was Alabama’s

largest in the cross-state rivalry since 1969 and propelled the Tigers, as SEC Western Division champions, into the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

The Tigers outgained Alabama only 408-377 but held the ball for more than 36 minutes. AU converted 9 of 18 third-down tries, while Alabama was just 3 of 11, with those three coming in the fourth quarter.

“We could not get off the field on third down and that led to several scoring drives

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AUBURN

I NSIDE T H E GAME

A

STORY BY AARON SUTTLES

UBURN — Alabama didn’t do a good enough job in the passing game.

Those were the words out of Alabama coach Nick Saban’s mouth following another crushing loss at the hands of Auburn ended an unbeaten regular season inside Jordan Hare Stadium.

Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 13 of 23 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown and had a couple of other long passes disrupted by defensive pass interference. But it wasn’t enough.

Saban didn’t place all the blame at the feet of his quarterback. He put partial blame on the offensive line for not protecting better, the wide receivers for not getting open, the game plan for not helping the offense enough and his quarterback for not reading the coverage well enough.

For better or worse, the face of the offense, and in particular the passing game, is Hurts.

“We didn’t execute,” Hurts said. “Usually in the games you lose it’s a lack of execution somewhere throughout the game.”

Five of Alabama’s 10 drives (not counting the one-play drive to end the game) ended in five plays or less including three three-and-outs. That doesn’t fall directly on Hurts, but it’s a trend that continues when the Alabama offense runs into better defensive competition. UA finished the night 3 of 11 on third-down conversions.

“We didn’t do a very good job on third down, so we didn’t sustain drives

because of that,” Saban said. “That affects time of possession and a whole lot of other things. That was probably the biggest difference in the game.”

Hurts also pointed to third downs as an area that likely swung the game.

“A critical part of the game,” Hurts said.

“We have to do a better job of executing. It comes down to execution.”

Calvin Ridley, arguably the best wide receiver in the country, recorded three catches for 38 yards.

Saban pointed to his quarterback’s competitiveness, his ability to scramble and make plays, but those scrambles sometimes come at the expense of pushing the ball down the field to an assortment of talented wide receivers. Hurts ended the regular season averaging 167 yards passing per game and 8.95 yards per attempt.

“I think Jalen really competed in the game,” Saban said. “He made a lot of plays in the game. He scrambled a lot with his feet.

“We just didn’t do a good enough job in the passing game. But that’s not just Jalen.

We didn’t have good enough protection.

We didn’t have guys getting open. Maybe we just needed to have better design in what we did, and he probably could’ve done a little better job of reading some things.

“I was fine with our play calling. Play calling is like anything. If it works, it’s a good play. If it doesn’t work it’s a bad play.

The way we pass the ball, every pass that we called, other than about five or six, were bad calls. Because they didn’t work.”

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AUBURN

Alabama running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball as Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) moves in to make the tackle during the second half.

Jacobs ran for 25 yards on six carries. [STAFF PHOTO/ERIN NELSON]

for them,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “And we couldn’t convert on third down and that affects time of possession.

So it was the offense and the defense.

“I’m sorry I could not do a better job as a coach and a leader for us to get us to the SEC Championship Game.”

Alabama got off to a slow start, choosing to punt on a fourth-and-one at the Auburn 48 on its first possession and ultimately failing to score in the first quarter for the first time this season. AU then jumped to a 7-0 lead by marching 94 yards on the ensuing possession, capping

the drive on a 3-yard pass from tailback Kerryon Johnson, who took the snap in a wildcat formation, to Nate Craig-Myers.

Alabama answered in the second quarter with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Jerry Jeudy. Auburn then took the lead on the final play of the half as Daniel Carlson hit a 33-yard field goal to put the Tigers up 10-7.

The Crimson Tide started the second half with its most impressive drive, a ground-oriented march capped by a 21-yard Bo Scarbrough run. That gave Alabama a 14-10 lead,

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A swarm of Alabama defenders stop Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21). Johnson ran for 104 yards and a touchdown. [STAFF PHOTO/GARY COSBY JR.]

but the Crimson Tide couldn’t score again in the final 28 minutes.

Instead, Alabama was plagued by penalties and poor execution, including a botched field goal attempt and a pair of premature snaps that short-circuited Alabama’s last legitimate scoring opportunity.

In the meantime, Auburn continued to move the ball efficiently, adding a Carlson field goal and touchdown runs by Johnson — who rushed for 104 yards on 30 carries — and another by quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

The final 12-point deficit was

Alabama’s first double-digit loss since it fell to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl following the 2013 season.

Hurts threw for 177 yards, completing 13 of 23 passes, and rushed for another 80, but was harried all evening by the AU defense.

Stidham, the transfer from Baylor, completed 21 of 28 passes for 237 yards for AU. “It’s not just big now, but big for the future,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said, echoing back to AU’s last win over Alabama. “I think our program is more stable now than it was in 2013.”

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