BCS National Championship Game

SI Staff | Jan 8, 2013

BCS National Championship Game /

BCS National Championship Game

Alabama and Notre Dame took to Sun Life Stadium for one of the most anticipated BCS title games in recent memory. The Irish entered with an unblemished 12-0 record, while the Crimson Tide maintained a 12-1 mark.

Alabama coach Nick Saban entered Monday night undefeated in BCS championship games, including the Tide's victory over LSU last season.

'Bama back Eddie Lacy started the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Lacy's 20-yard touchdown sprint happened just three minutes into the game, a quick start for the defending champion Tide.

Lacy celebrated after his score, just the third rushing touchdown Notre Dame had allowed all season.

Michael Williams dealt Notre Dame a second blow: He made a three-yard touchdown grab to put 'Bama up 14-0.

Quarterback AJ McCarron puts his arms in the air after connecting with Williams for a score midway through the first quarter.

Freshman running back T.J. Yeldon extended Alabama's lead to 21-0 with a one-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Yeldon's one-yard score, viewed here from above, continued Alabama's early domination. He dove into the end zone just four seconds into the second quarter.

'Bama's defense flustered Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson, shutting out the Irish in the first half.

Notre Dame struggled to move the ball against 'Bama's vaunted defense, failing to score its first touchdown until late in the third quarter.

'Bama quarterback AJ McCarron continued to find success in the BCS title game, throwing three touchdowns to help the Tide take a commanding 35-0 lead.

Nick Saban watches from the sideline as his Crimson Tide continue to dominate the Fighting Irish.

After Dee Milliner played some tight coverage downfield, Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix intercepted an Everett Golson pass early in the third quarter.

Notre Dame finally got on the scoreboard with Everett Golson's dive from two yards out, a touchdown that cut the score to 35-7.

Golson's score did little to stop the Alabama rout as AJ McCarron continued to attack Notre Dame through the air. McCarron finished the game with 264 yards passing and four touchdowns.

'Bama wide receiver Christion Jones hauled in a pass as he gained separation from Notre Dame safety Elijah Shumate. Jones was one of eight 'Bama receivers to catch a pass in the BCS National Championship Game.

For the third time in four years Nick Saban received the Gatorade bath as the Alabama players celebrated their 42-14 victory.

AJ McCarron was all smiles as he celebrated with star center Barrett Jones. Jones is widely considered the top center prospect for the 2013 NFL Draft.

Alabama celebrates after its 42-14 victory over Notre Dame, its third BCS title in four years.

Alabama cemented its status as a dynasty, becoming the first school to outright win back-to-back national championships since Nebraska in 1994-95.

Nick Saban accepted his fourth crystal football of his coaching career. Saban won the BCS national title with LSU in 2003 before winning three with Alabama.

The confetti rained down on the Alabama players, whose 28-point margin of victory was the largest in the BCS title game since USC defeated Oklahoma 55-19 in 2005.

'Bama linebacker Rowdy Harrell soaked in the moment at Sun Life Stadium as Alabama kept the national championship trophy in the SEC for the seventh consecutive year.

Published Jan 8, 2013

SI STAFF