No. 1 Alabama is back on the College Football Playoff National Championship for the fifth time in six seasons after completely dominating No. 4 Notre Dame 31-14 in the Rose Bowl semifinal 2021 on Friday. Crimson Tide led by up to 24 points in the fourth period, before Fighting Irish scored in the final minute of the game.
Throughout the season, Tide launched one of the biggest attacks in the country with quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver DeVonta Smith ending the year as finalists for the Heisman Trophy and three other players (running back Najee Harris, facing Alex Leatherwood and the injured Landon Dickerson) earning honors from the AP All-America first team. This unit survived the hype even against one of the best defenses in the country, totaling 437 yards to 7.9 yards per move.
Jones was effective in guiding the group by completing 25 of 30 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns, while Smith showed why the betting markets have him as the favorite to beat Heisman with his 130 yards and three touchdowns in seven receptions. Smith, named the Rose Bowl offensive MVP, is a craftsman as a route runner and has consistently won one-on-one battles against Notre Dame defenders. Even when the play required nothing special on the field, Smith makes an impact with yards after receiving, as in this 26-yard touchdown on a screen pass.
Smith’s entire touchdown reel could entertain us for hours, but the play we’ll talk about for years is Najee Harris’ barrier in a 53-yard run in the first quarter. Harris finished the game with 125 yards in 15 races.
The play is incredible from the 90 kg lift to the way he keeps his pace when his feet return to the grass. But what’s even better is how the obstacle meets a request from soccer star Megan Rapinoe. Harris discussed his admiration for Rapinoe during a press conference the week of the game and she responded with appreciation and a request for an obstacle. With less than 15 minutes to play, Harris overcame the barrier.
Notre Dame seemed to have a great response to a 14-0 opening hole with a 15-game, 75-yard touchdown that took 8:03 of the game clock and ended with a score on the fourth goal. The Irish were methodical and efficient, but it all seemed in vain when Alabama took the ball 84 meters the other way for a touchdown in a move that lasted less than three minutes. In fact, Alabama’s first three attempts ended in touchdowns and together they took less time than Notre Dame’s only touchdown until the end of the fourth period.
The Irishman also threatened to score again in the final play of the game after recovering a side kick, but Tide avoided a pass from QB Ian Book in the end zone. Book completed 27 of 39 passes for 229 yards with an interception, but also compiled 55 running yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Although post-game statistics did not monstrously favor Alabama, which only took Notre Dame 437-375 in total yards, Tide maintained firm control throughout the game and was never in danger of being defeated. They will play for the National CFP Championship for the fifth time in the event’s seven-year history, while the Irish have dropped to 0-7 at BCS or New Year’s Six bowl games since 1998 and have been surpassed by an average of 23 points in those games.
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