The 2009 College Football season came to an end Thursday night with the Alabama Crimson Tide claiming their first National Championship since 1992.Their 37-21 victory over Texas gives the SEC its 4th consecutive National Championship (Florida in 06 and 08, LSU in 07).
It was in inauspicious beginning for the Tide, falling behind early 6-0 after a failed fake punt, deep in their own territory, and a botched kick return. Momentum was clearly on Texas's side. But then, the Horns were dealing with their worst case scenario: an injury to Colt McCoy.
True Freshman Garrett Gilbert would have to take over the remainder of the game after an awkward hit to the shoulder landed McCoy on the sidelines for the remainder of the game.
After trading punts, the Tide took over. A six play, 57 yard drive,capped off by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram's 2 yard dash to give Bama a 7-6 lead. Alabama continued to dominate in the second quarter as Trent Richardson scampered for a 49 yard score, giving Alabama a 14-6 lead. The lead seemed much bigger than eight points, as the Longhorn offense was hapless with out McCoy.
An interception and 3 and out by Texas latter, set Leigh Tiffin up for a field goal, making it 17-6 with 29 seconds remaining in the half. When Texas got the ball, every one expected them to just run the clock out and take it to half time. But Mack Brown had other ideas. After a 9 yard run on 1st down by Tre' Newton, Texas called timeout. On the very next play, disaster would strike. A shovel pass was dropped, and intercepted by Marcell Dareus who returned it to the house for 6. Instead of going to the half down 17-6, it was 24-6.
Texas hoped Colt McCoy would be able to play the second half, but that was not the case. Any possible come back would have to be lead by Gilbert who was just 1-10 for -4 yards and 2 interceptions in the first half. Both defenses would control most of the third quarter, but then, Garrett Gilbert found his rhythm hooking up with Jordan Shipley for a 44 yard score.
Heading into the 4th quarter, Texas was down, but certainly not out 24-13. After a missed field goal by Tiffin, Gilbert lead the Longhorns on a 65 yard Touch Down drive, again hooking up with Shipley for the 28 yard score. A successful 2 point attempt brought Texas to with in a field goal with 6:15 to play.
A forced punt set the Horns up at their own 17, down 3, with a little over 3 minuets left. It had the makings of a classic comeback. But then, on the first play of the drive, Gilbert lost a fumble, setting up Ingram's second touch down of the night, this time from 1 yard out. That basically sealed the game.
Trent Richardson would add another score after Javier Areans's second interception of the night, sealing the National Championship for Alabama.
Any one who follows college football knows this is a totally different game if McCoy doesn't get hurt. Could Texas have won? Sure. Would they have defiantly won? Who knows?
Mark Ingram was the Offensive MVP of the game, rushing for 116 yards and 2 TD on 22 carries. Marcell Dareus took home the Defensive honor with his pick 6. Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson had a great game clearing the paths for Ingram and Richardson. Alabama's entire line (on both sides of the ball) deserves a lot of credit for the way they played this year.
Alabama is undoubtedly in my mind the best team in college football of 2009. They had a suffocating defense, and the best rushing attack in the nation. Could they repeat in 2010? They certainly could. They will have 10 returning starters on offense, and 6 or 7 on defense, depending on whether Renaldo McClain goes pro or not. They should be very high in the preseason polls next season.
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