Alabama’s Crimson Tide swept onto the field and left the Irish biting the dust with a win of 42 to 14 at the BCS National Championship game on January 7.

Alabama was unstoppable as they marched down the field during the first quarter. Within the first two minutes running back Eddie Lacy rushed up the middle for a 20 yard gain and a touchdown. The Crimson Tide gained another touchdown as quarterback AJ McCarron passed to tight end Michael Williams down the middle for a three yard gain into the end zone half way through the quarter.

            Katie McGuckin, freshman and Notre Dame fan, was disappointed with the Fighting Irish’s performance in the first quarter.

            “During the first quarter they were not playing nearly as well as normal. The defense definitely was not as good as earlier this season, especially in the red zone, which is what they are known for,” McGuckin said.

            Second quarter did not improve for the Irish as running back T.J. Yeldon rushed to the right into the end zone and McCarron passed to Lacy down the middle for a score of 28 to 0. Notre Dame’s defense made some mistakes and Alabama, a good offensive team, took advantage of their opponent.

            Even though McCarron threw a 34 yard pass to Amari Cooper for another 7 points on the board, the Irish found some fight in them. Notre Dame’s quarterback, Everett Golson, ran for the Fighting Irish’s first touchdown with 5 minutes left in the third quarter.

            The beginning of the fourth quarter started with the Crimson Tide offense striking again as Cooper caught a pass in the end zone, bringing the score to 42 to 7. While under pressure, the Irish’s tailback Theo Riddick caught a pass down the middle for their second touchdown nine minutes into the quarter.

            McGuckin believes the Irish could have turned the game around if they eliminated their mistakes in the first half.

            “I think second half went better, and if they had started out the game playing like they did in the second half and earlier this season, it would have been a close loss or even a win,” McGuckin said.

            The BCS National Championship ended with Alabama keeping their champion title with a 42 to 14 win. Alabama’s offense ultimately controlled the whole tempo of the game and broke down Notre Dame’s defense to secure their third title in four years.