Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Smith, Jones power Tide to rout of Ohio State for title
MIAMI GARDENS — Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith and quarterback Mac Jones had record-breaking performances, and the top-ranked Crimson Tide rolled over No. 3 Ohio State, 52-24, in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night.
Alabama (13-0) won its sixth title in 12 years and 16th overall in front of 14,926 socially distanced fans. Coach Nick Saban won his seventh title — six with Alabama (the other in 2003 at LSU) — to break a tie with Paul “Bear” Bryant for most all-time.
“I think perseverance probably is the one word that describes this team the best in terms of what they’ve had to overcome all season long, to come undefeated and win a championship,” said Saban, who was the Miami Dolphins coach in 2005 and 2006 before taking over at Alabama. “I’m so proud of these guys. This was a team that was always together.”
In typical Saban fashion, though, he wasn’t focused on his seventh individual ring afterward.
“I really haven’t thought about that because you’re always looking forward,” he said, “and I just love this team so much and what they’ve been able to do. I can’t even put it into words.”
Jones, however, didn’t mince words when asked about his coach after the game: “He’s the greatest to ever do it, and he’ll be the greatest for a long time.”
Jones threw for a CFP championship gamerecord 464 yards and tied Joe Burrow’s marks set last year in completions (36) and passing touchdowns (five). He wasn’t shy to stake his team’s claim as greatest ever, either.
“I think we’re the best team to ever play,” said Jones, who finished third in Heisman voting. “There is never going to be a team that will play an SEC schedule like that.”
Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, finished with CFP title-game records in receptions (12) and touchdowns (three) despite only playing in the first half. Exiting early in the second half with a dislocated finger, his 215 receiving yards were a firsthalf CFP title-game record and six yards shy of LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase’s game mark set the previous season.
“Just blessed to be in this situation,” said Smith when asked for opening remarks in his postgame press conference.
Running back Najee Harris, who was fifth in Heisman voting, had 79 yards rushing and 79 receiving with three total touchdowns, two on the ground.
Ohio State had several breakdowns in coverage, looking confused against Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian in his final game before taking over as Texas coach. The Crimson Tide amassed 621 yards of total offense and the Buckeyes (7-1) simply couldn’t keep up, especially after losing standout running back Trey Sermon due to a collarbone injury on the opening play. The team was already without 13 players due to COVID concerns, key among them nose tackle Tommy Togiai, defensive end Tyreke Smith and kickers Blake Haubeil and Dominic DiMaccio.
“Tough night,” OSU coach Ryan Day said. “I’m proud of our team, proud of the seniors, proud of the year that we’ve had. But it was a tough night.”
OSU quarterback Justin Fields was held in check after his six-touchdown performance in the semifinal victory over Clemson. He had 194 yards and a touchdown on 17-of33 passing and added 67 rushing yards. Running back Master Teague, who carried the load in Sermon’s absence, had 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
“I could have been healthier,” said Fields, who battled through a shot to the ribs last time out against Clemson, “but I was healthy enough. I was able to be out there.”