Defense leads Crimson Tide past Texas in BCS title game

By Bud L. Ellis

One year after seeing their shot at a berth in the national championship game fade away in a lost fourth quarter, Alabama redeemed itself and brought a title back to Dixie.

Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns, and the Alabama defense knocked Texas’ Heisman candidate, quarterback Colt McCoy, from the game in the first quarter. It was enough to lead the Crimson Tide to a 37-21 victory over the Longhorns in the BCS national title game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., securing the school’s first national championship since 1992.

Trent Richardson added 109 yards rushing and a pair of scores, but it was the Alabama defense that earned the headlines in this one. On Texas’ fifth play from scrimmage, Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus nailed McCoy, sending the quarterback to the sidelines for the evening.

Freshman backup Garrett Gilbert struggled mightily in the first half, and the Crimson Tide surged to a 24-6 advantage. But on the verge of blowing the game open, the Tide suddenly couldn’t stop Gilbert, who sparked 15 unanswered points by connecting with Jordan Shipley on two touchdown passes, the second one making it a 24-21 game early in the fourth quarter.

But the Alabama defense did its thing from there, forcing two key turnovers in the final few minutes. Alabama converted both for scores, starting the celebration for Crimson Tide Nation.

Alabama forced five turnovers on the night, and won despite being outgained by a Texas offense ran most of the evening by the freshman Gilbert, 276-263.

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Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10:57 pm by bud

Tags: Alabama, Colt McCoy, Garrett Gilbert, Jordan Shipley, Marcell Dareus, Mark Ingram, Rose Bowl, Texas, Trent Richardson