5 Things: Takeaways From Tide's National Title Win Over Buckeyes

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama pummeled the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday night in Miami to win the College Football Playoff Championship Game 52-24 and finish the highly unorthodox 2020 season undefeated. The game produced myriad storylines as the Tide rolled to its 18th national title, as records were broken and history was made.

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Here's a look at some of the biggest storylines that developed out of the historic matchup during a season unlike any other.

PASSING THE BEAR

Alabama head coach Nick Saban hit a historic milestone Monday night, surpassing the legendary coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant by winning his seventh national championship in his career, the most during the AP Era, and his sixth at Alabama. Wrapping up his 14th season with the Tide, Monday night's win brings Saban's overall record to 170–23.

CROWDS FLOOD THE STRIP

Back in Tuscaloosa, thousands converged on downtown and The Strip near the UA campus, beginning even before lunch. Following the game's final whistle University Boulevard was covered with cheering fans, despite warnings given by the city to avoid large gatherings due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While rumors persisted that tear gas was used to disperse crowds, the Tuscaloosa Police Department confirmed to Patch that this was not true.

DICKERSON RETURNS TO CHEERS

Crimson Tide center Landon Dickerson made an unexpected return to the field to help Alabama run out of the clock in the final frames of the game after the All-American lineman suffered an ACL injury in the SEC Championship game, ending his season.

HEISMAN WINNER HAS A NIGHT

Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith pulled in more than 200 receiving yards and three touchdowns to end his collegiate career in a similar fashion to the way it started — by winning the national championship. Smith also broke a slew of records, including receiving yards in a single half of a CFP title game, along with receptions. Despite missing a good bit of the second half with a hand injury, Smith still put up gaudy numbers in the first half in his last game in crimson and white.

NFL STARS QUESTION WADDLE'S RETURN

While Dickerson was brought in more in a symbolic capacity, Alabama's star receiver Jaylen Waddle, who suffered a serious foot injury against Tennessee earlier in the season, saw his first action since getting hurt. The senior grabbed 3 passes for 34 yards, but was noticeably still working through the injury. This prompted numerous NFL players to take to Twitter to question the decision of the potential first-round draft pick.

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