College champs
Heisman winner Smith leads Crimson Tide to NCAA football crown
MIAMI: Heisman trophy winner DeVonta Smith scored three touchdowns as the University of Alabama capped an undefeated season with a 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the US college football’s championship game.
Najee Harris also scored three TDs as the 13-0 Crimson Tide notched their sixth national title under coach Nick Saban, who now has a record seven overall.
“This is a team that was always together,” Saban said of how his players responded to the difficulties of the pandemic-disrupted season.
“Everybody bought into the principles and values of the organisation and programme,” Saban said.
“And they just did a great job. They played together. They supported each other. This is a great team.”
Smith, t he first wide receiver since 1991 to win the Heisman as the top college player in the country, didn’t disappoint.
He had 12 catches for 215 yards in the first two quarters, when his 18 points were one more than the Buckeyes’ 17, and he out-gained Ohio State 215-190 yards.
He was unstoppable until injuring a finger on his right hand early in the third quarter, departing first to the sideline and then to the locker room only to return in the fourth quarter to watch from the sidelines.
“I’ll be all right,” said Smith, a likely top-five pick in the next NFL draft.
His 12 catches were a record since the current college football play-off system was instituted seven years ago.
His 215 yards were six shy of tying the record for most receiving yards in a full game. He helped give Alabama a 35-17 half-time lead, which was 45-24 after three quarters.
Once Smith had left, Harris, who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, picked up where Smith left off.
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, who was third in the Heisman voting, finished with 464 passing yards and five touchdowns.
“Unbelievable,” Smith said. “We just finished writing our story.”
Saban, who coached Louisiana State to the title in 2003, notched his sixth championship with Alabama and his third of the play-off era.
He had entered the contest tied with legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant for most titles of any college coach.
“I’m just happy that we won tonight,” he said. “I really haven’t thought about that [record] because you’re always looking forward.
“And I just love this team so much,” Saban added. “What they’ve been able to do, I can’t even put it into words.”
BELICHICK DECLINES AWARD
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said on Monday he would not accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Donald Trump as planned this week after the “tragic” riot at the US Capitol last Wednesday.
Belichick, who has guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, said in a written statement that he was “flattered” to be considered for the highest civilian honour in the United States but had decided against accepting.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honour represents and admiration for prior recipients,” Belichick, a Trump supporter, said. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.
“Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy.”
He added that “one of the most rewarding things” in his storied career was the emergence of conversations within his team “about social justice, equality, and human rights.”