Bama’s Triplets
Explosive trio leads Tide into playoffs
Alabama’s best offensive player might be quarterback Mac Jones, who while is efficient produces big plays. Or it could easily be Devonta Smith, who has been college football’s most prolific wide receiver.
Don’t count out tailback Najee Harris, a scoring machine who’s dangerous as a runner and a receiver.
The top-ranked Crimson Tide doesn’t have to choose who’s the best.
The onus is on opponents — and next up is No. 4 Notre Dame in Arlington, Texas Friday in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Fighting Irish are well aware of the challenge they face defending Alabama’s dynamic playmakers, who among the very best at their position in college football.
“I mean, it’s the balance of Najee and his ability to run and catch the football coming out of the backfield,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Monday. “And then Smith and (fellow receiver John) Metchie. Smith is just that good of a player that you know playing 1-on-1 against him is very difficult.
“So, when you’re doubling him, you’re losing one in the box and now you’re putting Harris in a very favorable situation with a very good offensive line. So not a lot of good answers there.”
The game was scheduled to be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, but was relocated to the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in a move prompted by California’s ban on spectators at sporting events during the pandemic.
But no matter the venue, the Alabama trio has not disappointed this season.
Jones and Smith are among the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy, along with Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask.
Harris finished fifth in the voting after a huge performance in the Southeastern Conference championship game.
Alabama is the second team to have three top-5 Heisman finishers, joining Army in 1946 with running backs Glenn Davis (who won) and Doc Blanchard (fourth) and quarterback Arnold Tucker (fifth).