by MOSES A. LEOS III
It started early and often, right from the opening kick. What was supposed to be a close, defensive match-up quickly deteriorated into a rout. Alabama once again proved that they are the kings of college football, as they clobbered Notre Dame 42-14, winning back-to-back National Championships.
But, maybe, we should have seen this coming? Save for one game against some kid named Manziel, the Crimson Tide have managed to win and win consistently.
Therein lies the camouflage Nick Saban and his staff used to perfectly hide the strengths of this team. Alabama did not harbor a flashy, innovative offense as Chip Kelly’s Oregon squad. Nor did they have a transcendent athlete such as Texas A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Rather, this team went the “Blue Collar” approach; their style of play iconoclast to the new age of college football. Alabama plays a game which shows professional tendencies. With a power running attack, heralded by TJ Yeldon and Eddie Lacy, they ran rampant over just about every team they played. AJ McCarron helms a pass attack that is efficient and unrelenting. The most interesting aspect: Alabama’s offense is balanced. You just don’t see that anymore.
All of this was on display on Monday night, as Alabama completely and utterly destroyed the Notre Dame defense.
It was the effort of the offensive line that made the biggest difference. On just about every play the Tide ran, the line pushed, shoved and punished Notre Dame’s defensive line. From the opening drive to the last, that group made it look as if Notre Dame did not show up at all. While the Fighting Irish certainly made their share of mistakes–missed tackles, poor coverage—the issues were a result of the overpowering Alabama offensive line.
Safe to say, without the line’s dominating performance, Yeldon and Lacy would not have had such breakout performances. Both rushed for over 100 yards, both made it look all too easy. Add in McCarron and his precise passing, Alabama took a visage of an unstoppable, relentless juggernaut many have come to expect.
On the flipside, Notre Dame’s performance was downright puzzling. Puzzling, as one would imagine that playing in the National Championship game would illicit some emotion. That just never happened.
While Alabama burst from the gates with energy and passion, the Fighting Irish looked lethargic and unsure of themselves. That was apparent in the first half, as the Irish allowed the most points they have given up all year in one half (28), while scoring none on their own. The team looked broken and weary to the core.
The defense shockingly became the biggest liability for the Fighting Irish. With Heisman runner-up Manti Te’o heralding the group, many felt Notre Dame would contain the Alabama offense.
Instead, the Alabama offense ran circle, after circle, on the Fighting Irish. The speed, the tenacity of the Crimson Tide players seemed to be something Notre Dame could not match. Because of this, the Irish were consistently missing tackles, losing track of assignments, getting beaten every step of the way.
Even on offense, the Irish failed to certify their No. 1 status. Nick Saban’s team made sure of that, as they constantly harried and harassed QB Everett Golson, forcing him to make poor passes all evening.
Though, I do question the tactics of Kelly and his staff. The consistency of deep sideline passes became a big point of debate. Alabama cornerbacks kept coverage discipline, always nixing any big receptions. People will ask, “Why did Kelly not throw over the middle?” Additionally, why did the Irish abandon the run so early?
Alabama’s control of the line of scrimmage would answer those queries. The Tide kept a stranglehold of the Irish until well past the 3rd quarter. At no time did the Irish offensive line win battles in the trenches. The Crimson Tide front 7 executed a stellar game plan of using their superior speed to inundate Brian Kelly’s team. Even if they wanted to try to throw over the middle, it most certainly would not have worked.
So, here we are once again: The SEC is atop the College Football world. Unlike last season, there is no controversy surrounding it. Alabama proved that they are the best team in the land.
One moment I did find interesting: Nick Saban became reluctant to use the word “dynasty” to describe his success in Tuscaloosa.
He cannot hide from the term now. This, my friends, is the dynasty of our generation.
