Socially Distanced Sports: Alabama’s dominant offense leads them to their 18th national championship

March 9, 2021

By Adam Venezia
Staff Writer

College football is arguably the most exciting sport to watch because of the unpredictability. This year’s college playoffs delivered yet again. Both games were unexpectedly blowouts and were dominated by one team the entire game.

The bigger upset was second-ranked Clemson versus third-ranked Ohio State. There were many questions as to why Ohio State was in the playoffs after only playing six games during the season. Fans wondered if this was enough to prove their ability to play against the explosive offense of Clemson. 

In what seemed like a very unevenly matched game in the favor of Clemson, Ohio State shocked everybody and won 49-28. The standout player of this game was Ohio State’s quarterback Justin Fields. In the second quarter of the game, Fields suffered a big hit to the ribs on a play where James Skalski, Clemson linebacker, was ejected from the game for targeting. Throughout the game it was obvious Fields was in pain, but it did not stop him from charting up an impressive six touchdowns and 385 passing yards. 

On the other side of the playoffs, Alabama beat Notre Dame, which was much more expected, but the fashion in which they did it was surprising. They dominated the whole game and from the beginning snap, there seemed to be no doubt of who was going to win. Alabama was led by Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith. The senior was the first wide receiver to win this award since 1987.

Although Smith had to leave the game after the first half due to a dislocated finger, he still managed to put up a full game’s worth of stats.

Smith proved why he got this honor in the game, having seven receptions for 130 yards and three touchdowns. The duo of him and likely top 10 NFL draft pick Mac Jones was unstoppable. Their performances helped Alabama to a 31-14 win. 

In the championship game, Alabama faced Ohio State, who after last week, looked like the hardest competition they had all year. The game quickly became a display of Devonta Smith’s skills. Although Smith had to leave the game after the first half due to a dislocated finger, he still managed to put up a full game’s worth of stats. Smith had 12 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Everything was clicking for the Crimson Tide, and it brought them to a 52-24 victory. 

The future is looking good for many of these college athletes. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is projected to be the number one overall pick in the NFL draft. Many top 10 picks are coming out of these four colleges, but only a few will be able to continue to thrive the same way they have done this year.