The BCS Championship game was definitely a letdown for many people, particularly those in Indiana. However, there are plenty of good things to take away from the college football finale. The Notre Dame program has taken leaps forward in one season, in a way that doesn’t usually happen without multiple seasons and great coaching. Next, the team will benefit by being in a great position to recruit new players.
The Alabama Crimson Tide will be the first team to repeat national championships in quite a long time. Also, they have won three of the past four championships total, an astronomical number that’s nearly impossible to achieve. Most of the critics feel that this feat will never be repeated again. It is definitely a monumental accomplishment which has also helped Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron’s chances to get drafted in the first round.
The game highlights were extremely one-sided even from the beginning. When the game started Alabama was clearly in control. Alabama possessed the ball for 10 minutes more than Notre Dame in the first half alone. The score also reflected that domination, as the Crimson Tide scored four touchdowns (28 points) in the first half. Notre Dame’s national linebacking sensation, Manti Te’o, did not play like his usual self. Instead, he looked quite slow and was unable to stop either of Alabama’s running backs at the point of attack.
The game was a rather high-scoring affair as Alabama eventually tallied 42 points, a miraculous feat in and of itself given Notre Dame’s undefeated season. We will see how this will play into next season’s rankings, attract a better class of recruits and increase bowl game exposure for both high-powered football programs.
Unfortunately, games of this caliber and importance do not come along very often. The players play harder because the stakes are higher. Injuries riddled both teams as a result. Take Barrett Jones, for example. The Alabama center played the entire game with a torn ligament in his foot, while knowing the risk. Next, Alabama Linebacker, C.J. Mosley suffered from a serious knee injury that Coach Nick Saban stated was “not serious”.
On the opposite side of the field, Notre Dame also had a significant loss. Kapron Lewis-Moore actually suffered a severe knee injury. He will have to endure surgery due to a catastrophic ACL injury. Also, severe leg cramps plagued Notre Dame quarterback, Everett Golson near half-time. These injuries all call for the need for better safety measures during high-stakes games. Several of the injured players were slated to begin meaningful workouts for their NFL draft portfolios. The injuries could completely wipe out their chances for a spot.
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