MIAMI BOUND: Tide Hurdles Irish 31-14 To Advance To CFP Title

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Alabama Crimson Tide will soon have a chance to secure its 18th national championship in school history following a 31-14 victory in the College Football Playoff Semifinals Friday against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Rose Bowl Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The win marks the fifth time in seven seasons that Alabama has advanced to the national title game.

Alabama jumped up 14-0 to end the first quarter and refused to give up much daylight until the waning minutes of the game.

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The Tide was led by its big three on offense, with receiver and Heisman frontrunner DeVonta Smith snagging three touchdown catches and gathering 130 yards on seven receptions. Running back Najee Harris also put up over 100 yards and easily had the play of the game, hurdling a Notre Dame defender in the first quarter on his way to a 53-yard carry.

Tide quarterback Mac Jones, also a Heisman finalist, showed out in spectacular fashion, tossing for 303 yards and four scores, going 26-for-31 through the air.

On defense, the Tide held Irish quarterback Ian Book to a modest 229 yards passing and 55 yards on the ground, while snubbing out running back Kyren Williams, allowing 64 yards rushing and one touchdown. The Irish managed 375 total yards, compared to Alabama's 437.

No. 1 Alabama (12-0) will play in the College Football Playoff Championship Jan. 11 in Miami against the winner of No. 2 Clemson (10-1) and No. 3 Ohio State (6-0) on Friday night.

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