Alabama beats Georgia in OT to win 5th national title in 9 years

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown catch against Georgia during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown catch against Georgia during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Tony Brown intercepts a pass intended for Georgia’s Javon Wims during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Tony Brown intercepts a passs during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm is knocked down by Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. The pass was intercepted. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia running back D’Andre Swift gets past Alabama’s Deionte Thompson during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Trenton Thompson and Tyler Clark (52) celebrate after forcing Alabama to punt during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III is congratulated by Robert Foster (1) after a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia react after a replay confirmed a touchdown during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardmangets past Alabama defensive back Tony Brown for a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Kendall Baker lifts quarterback Jake Fromm (11) after a long touchdown pass during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia’s Jake Fromm tackles Alabama’s Raekwon Davis after an interception during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Jalen Hurts runs during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Terry Godwin catches a pass in front of Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia wide receiver Javon Wims drops a pass during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
An Alabama cheerleader performs before the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reacts during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks to Bo Scarbrough during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts throws during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia running back Nick Chubb is stopped during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia running back Sony Michel runs for a first down during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
University of Georgia student student Yauna Godbee watches the College Football Playoff national championship football game against Alabama on a large TV screen in Athens, Ga., Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Tami Chappell)
Georgia running back Sony Michel runs doer a first down during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia running back Sony Michel runs doer a first down during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm is sacked by Alabama’s Christian Miller during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm is sacked by Alabama’s Christian Miller during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia place kicker Rodrigo Blankenship makes a field goal during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia’s David Marshall is helped off the field during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts is stopped during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia running back D’Andre Swift gets past Alabama’s Deionte Thompson for a first down catch during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Jalen Hurts looks up during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Riley Ridley runs during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts throws under pressure during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia wide receiver Javon Wims catches a pass in front of Alabama’s Anthony Averett during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts runs for a first down during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia place kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is congratulated after making a field goal during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia quarterback Jake Frommthrows during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia wide receiver Javon Wims catches a pass in front of Alabama’s Anthony Averett during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia wide receiver Riley Ridley catches a pass during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia’s Davin Bellamy celebrates after sacking Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Christian Payne can’t catch a pass during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Terry Godwinr is short of the goal during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm runs during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm throws during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia running back Sony Michel runs for a first down during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart congratulates Mecole Hardman after a touchdown run during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban reacts after Georgia scored a touchdown during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts runs past Georgia safety Dominick Sanders and Roquan Smith (3) during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama’s Josh Jacobs runs back a kick during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa drops back to pass during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa drops back to pass during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman runs during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Isaiah Buggs tackles Georgia’s D’Andre Swift for a loss during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley can’t catch a pass during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama coach Nick Saban argues a call during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP)
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs for a first down during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa congratulates Henry Ruggs III (11) after his touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia wide receiver Terry Godwin (5) dives just short of the end zone under pressure from Alabama defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) in the NCAA college football playoff championship game in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. (AJ Reynolds/Athens Banner-Herald via AP)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman gets past Alabama defensive back Tony Brown for a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman gets past Alabama defensive back Tony Brown for a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman prepares to catch the ball ahead Alabama defensive back Tony Brown for a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts watches from the bench during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia defensive back Deandre Baker intercepts a pass in front of Alabama’s Calvin Ridley (3) during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Raekwon Davis (99) celebrates his interception during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia’s Jake Fromm throws a ball that is deflected off the helmet of Alabama’s Da’Shawn Hand and intercepted by Raekwon Davis during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama’s Jalen Hurts (2) is seen on the bench with Tua Tagovailoa (13) head coach Nick Saban during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for Georgia’s Riley Ridley during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm throws during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for Georgia’s Riley Ridley during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough catches a pass in front of Georgia’s Roquan Smiths during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart yells during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman gets past Alabama defensive back Tony Brown for a touchdown catch during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Raekwon Davis sacks Georgia’s Jake Fromm during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Raekwon Davis sacks Georgia’s Jake Fromm during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama’s Raekwon Davis celebrates after sacking Georgia’s Jake Fromm during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy can’t catch a pass in the end zone during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Fans cheer during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Georgia and Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
An Alabama cheerleader is reflected in the costume of a band member before the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The Georgia band has some fun before the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Zac Brown Band sings the national anthem before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Georgia and Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia’s Brice Ramsey warms up before the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa holds up the championship trophy after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith catches a touchdown pass past Georgia defensive back Malkom Parrish during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Alabama won, 26-23. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Georgia fans reacts to Georgia’s loss while watching the College Football Playoff national championship football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Alabama won, 26-23. (AP Photo/Tami Chappell)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban hugs Andy Pappanastos after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds up the championship trophy after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Georgia players react after losing to Alabama in the NCAA college football playoff championship game in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Alabama won, 26-23. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds up the championship trophy after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Jalen Hurts celebrates after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa celebrates with his parents Galu and Diane after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban celebrates after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama players celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama’s Raekwon Davis celebrates after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama cheerleaders celebrate after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama helmets lay with confetti after overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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ATLANTA — To add another championship to the greatest dynasty college football has ever seen, Alabama turned to its quarterback of the future, and Tua Tagovailoa proved that his time is now.

The freshman quarterback, who had played mostly mop-up duty this season, came off the bench to spark a comeback and threw a 41-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith that gave No. 4 Alabama a 26-23 overtime victory against No. 3 Georgia on Monday night for the College Football Playoff national championship.

Tagovailoa entered the game at halftime, replacing a struggling Jalen Hurts, and threw three touchdown passes to give the Crimson Tide its fifth national championship since 2009 under Coach Nick Saban.

“He just stepped in and did his thing,” Hurts said. “He’s built for stuff like this. I’m so happy for him.”

The Tide might have a quarterback controversy ahead of them, but first Alabama will celebrate another national title.

For the third straight season, Alabama played in a classic CFP final. The Tide split two with Clemson, losing last season on a touchdown with one second left.

What was Saban thinking as the winning pass soared this time?

“I could not believe it,” he said. “There’s lots of highs and lows. Last year we lost on the last play of the game and this year we won on the last play of the game. These kids really responded the right way. We said last year, ‘Don’t waste the feeling.’ They sure didn’t, the way they played tonight.”

Smith streaked into the end zone and moments later confetti rained and even Saban seemed almost giddy after watching perhaps the most improbable victory of his unmatched career.

After Alabama kicker Andy Pappanastos missed a 36-yard field-goal attempt that would have won it for the Tide (13-1) in the final seconds of regulation, Georgia (13-2) took the lead with a 51-yard field goal from Rodrigo Blankenship in overtime.

Tagovailoa took a terrible sack on Alabama’s first play of overtime, losing 16 yards. On the next play he found Smith, another freshman, and hit him in stride for the national championship.

Tagovailoa was brilliant at times, though he had a few freshman moments. He threw an interception when he tried to pass on a running play and all his receivers were blocking. He also darted away from the pass rushers and made some impeccable throws, showing the poise of a veteran. Facing fourth-and-goal from 7, down seven, the left-hander move to his left and zipped a pass through traffic that hit Calvin Ridley in the numbers for the tying score with 3:49 left in the fourth quarter.

THREAD. THE. NEEDLE.

Tua Tagovailoa with the PERFECT pass. #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/5WSnz0QE16

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 9, 2018

He finished 14 for 24 for 166 yards. The winning play was basically, four receivers going deep.

“After the sack, we just got up and took it to the next play,” Tagovailoa said. “I looked back out, and he was wide open. Smitty was wide open.”

Alabama Walkoff Touchdown pic.twitter.com/884g9O0N8i

— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) January 9, 2018

Freshmen were everywhere for the Alabama offense: Najee Harris at running back, Henry Ruggs III at receiver, Alex Leatherwood at left tackle after All-American Jonah Williams was hurt. It’s a testament to the relentless machine Saban has built.

But this game will be remembered most for his decision to change quarterbacks trailing 13-0.

“I just thought we had to throw the ball, and I felt he could do it better, and he did,” Saban said. “He did a good job, made some plays in the passing game. Just a great win. I’m so happy for Alabama fans. Great for our players. Unbelievable.”

Saban now has six major poll national championships, including one at LSU, matching the record set by the man who led Alabama’s last dynasty, Coach Paul Bear Bryant.

This one was nothing like the others.

The all-Southeastern Conference matchup was all Georgia in the first half before Saban pulled Hurts and went with the five-star recruit from Hawaii.

“I don’t know how Coach Saban found me all the way in Hawaii from Alabama,” Tagovailoa said. “Thank God he found me and we’re here right now.”

The Tide trailed 20-7 in the third quarter after Georgia’s freshman quarterback, Jake Fromm, hit Mecole Hardman for an 80-yard touchdown pass that had the Georgia fans feeling good about ending a national title drought that dates to 1980.

Fromm threw for 232 yards for a while it looked as if he was going to be the freshman star for the game, the first true freshman to lead his team to a national title season since Jamelle Holieway for Oklahoma in 1985.

“I mean, if you want to find out about Jake Fromm, go ask those guys on the other side of the ball, and they’ll tell you because that’s a really good defense he just went against,” Smart said.

A little less than a year after the Atlanta Falcons blew a 25-point lead and lost in overtime to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, there was more pain for many of the local fans. Two years ago, Georgia brought in Saban’s top lieutenant, Kirby Smart, to coach the Bulldogs and bring to his alma mater a dose of Alabama’s Process.

Smart, who spent 11 seasons with Saban – eight as his defensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa – quickly built ’Bama East. It was Georgia that won the SEC this season. Alabama had to slip into the playoff without even winning its own division.

With the title game being held 70 miles from Georgia’s campus in Athens, Dawg fans packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but it turned out to be sweet home for Alabama and now Saban is 12-0 against his former assistants.

But not without angst.

Alabama drove into the red zone in the final minute and Saban started playing for a field goal that would end the game and win it for the Tide. A nervous quiet gripped the crowd of 77,430 as ’Bama burned the clock. With the ball centered in the middle of the field, Pappanastos lined up for a kick to win the national championship. The snap and hold looked fine, but the kicked missed badly to the left.

OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/Sh2RuLPUoj

— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2018

For the second straight week, Georgia was going to overtime. The Bulldogs beat Oklahoma in a wild Rose Bowl in double overtime to get here, and after Jonathan Ledbetter and Davin Bellamy sacked Tagovailoa for a big loss on the first play, Alabama was in trouble – second-and-26.

Not for long. Tagovailoa looked off the safety and threw the biggest touchdown pass in the history of Alabama football.

Alabama beats Georgia in OT to win 5th national title in 9 years

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