When the clock hit triple zeros in January, the confetti that ran down from Lucas Oil Stadium was for Nick Saban’s pupil.
Kirby Smart delivered the Georgia Bulldogs to its first national championship in 40+ years, taking out his teacher.
Alabama’s defense did all it could, but its offense could not get into a rhythm. The Crimson Tide replaced a lot from its undefeated national title team in 2020, and it showed with the youth that had to play critical roles last season. Alabama had a new starting quarterback, a new starting running back, new starters at wide receiver, different players on the offensive line, and new starters on defense.