January 11, 2021, MIAMI, FL- After a tumultuous 15 weeks of the college football season, it in fact all came down to a blip of time in the grand scheme of things. A 3 hour contest on the gridiron that would mark the climax of a year to forget that won’t soon be forgotten.

All year long the programs across the country fought to make a name for themselves, pull off upsets and reach the top of the mountain. A few outliers fought valiantly, giving it their best shot to make the ever so elusive playoff field. But as the sun began to set on the 20′-21′ season, we (the viewers, fans, and committee) were provided clarity in many respects. It came down to the blue bloods or the cream of the crop once again. Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson and Notre Dame would duke it out for 2 spots in the championship game. It was no surprise that Alabama staved off Notre Dame, but it came as a surprise to some that Ohio State, who played half of the games that these other squads did, dethroned the Clemson Tigers in such dominating fashion. So here we are, January 11th, with two teams left to square off.

All of the pageantry and emphasis around this “epic” game was quickly put to rest by the businesslike Crimson Tide of Alabama who were simply too good for the Buckeyes on this day. Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith had the encore performance of a lifetime, receiving 12 passes for 215 yards and 3 scores in the first half. Mac Jones was methodical and showed what NFL teams wanted to see. Najee Harris was more subdued than usual but still made his mark. The Tide defense limited the opposing quarterback Justin Fields to 194 yards through the air, and the ground game was not enough with Trey Sermon making an early exit due to injury. Alabama controlled the time of possession by 15 minutes and outgained Ohio State by 300 yards. Total domination. In front of a limited capacity of 14,000, the energy was still palpable, the celebration as magical as always.

There are no questions left. Alabama is the best team in the nation once again. One more year where their pursuers have to live with being a step behind.  To Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame and the rest… sincerest congratulations on this season and cheers to regrouping for next year, where things will be more normal, as they should be.