Alabama Crimson-Tide captures 18th National Championship with a 52-24 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Alabama Crimson-Tide won their 18^th national title, as they crushed the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24 in the 2021 national championship game in Miami. 

It was a record-breaking night for Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who in his 14^th year running the program won his seventh championship – one more than legendary coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant. 

Saban said: “I’m just happy we won tonight, and I really haven’t thought about that because you’re always looking forward. And I just love this team so much and what they’ve been able to do. I can’t put it into words.” 

Wide receiver Devonta Smith also had a record-breaking night, despite leaving the game shortly after halftime with a dislocated finger, having already smoked the Buckeyes defence in the first half – posting 12 receptions, 215 yards and three touchdowns on his way to winning offensive MVP. 

Smith, the winner of the Heisman award for the best collegiate football player, and the Biletnikoff award for the best wide receiver, set the record for the most single-season receiving yards, SEC single-season yards and touchdowns, and the most catches in a title game after just two quarters. 

Alabama’s other two Heisman finalists similarly showed out, as running back Najee Harris posted three total touchdowns himself, and quarterback Mac Jones recorded 464 yards and five touchdowns. 

As well as delivering Bama an 18^th national title, the win caps off a monumental season for the program, as they finish the campaign with an undefeated record of 13-0 and prompted Mac Jones to state: “I think we’re the best team to ever play. No one has ever played this kind of schedule.” 

As for Ohio State, the game marks a devastating ending to their 7-1 season (having also entered the game unbeaten), as they fought hard despite losing running back Trey Sermon on the first drive and managed to put on an offensive display which looked to trouble the Tide throughout the game.  

Buckeye Justin Fields will leave for the NFL draft, where he is expected to be the second quarterback taken and will have improved his draft stock after Monday night, despite the heavy defeat – totalling 261 all-purpose yards and one touchdown versus Alabama’s notorious defence. 

Alabama’s third national title in the seven years for which the CFB playoff has existed marks the end of an era. All three of Alabama’s Heisman finalists will also depart for the NFL draft, including Smith, where he is expected to be taken within the first ten picks after setting school records at Alabama for receiving yards and touchdowns.

By Kit McIntosh