Alabama's 2018 National Championship Was An Instant Classic | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Alabama's 2018 National Championship Was An Instant Classic

It was an instant classic, no one was giving Alabama a shot at halftime.

151
Alabama's 2018 National Championship Was An Instant Classic
Wikimedia Commons

The Alabama Crimson Tide beat the Georgia Bulldogs in an overtime thriller to win the National Championship. The game was an instant classic and one that people will be talking about for a long time. This game was a classic hard-nosed SEC game and it forced each quarterback to make plays with their arms.

Georgia QB Jake Fromm was able to find Riley Ridley on a lot of clutch plays for first downs. And yes, Riley Ridley is the younger brother of star Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Dawgs went up 13-0 at halftime through a series of a few field goals and a touchdown.

The Crimson Tide had been silent on offense and Nick Saban needed to switch things up. Saban brings in true-freshmen Tua Tagovailoa to lead his team to victory. Tagovailoa had played during the season, but he never started or had a meaningful snap. Tua is a great dual-threat QB and it really showed in this game how he was able to beat the Georgia defense with his legs and his arm.

Tagovailoa took the Tide offense down the field and capped the drive off with a touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs to get within a one-score game. Georgia’s offense responded and Fromm threw a deep pass to WR Mecole Hardman to put the game at 20-7. Alabama needed a turnover, and that’s exactly what they got when Raekwon Davis picked off Jake Fromm off of a crazy deflection.

Bama needed a spark in the running game, enter another freshmen, RB Najee Harris. Harris was absolutely clutch in the 4th quarter, driving Alabama down the field while down 20-10. They were able to drive down again and kick a field goal to make it 20-13. The Tide drove it down to the 8 yard line but found themselves in a 4th down situation where they had to go for it. It was the biggest play of the game at that point. Once again Tua Tagovailoa delivered and threw a touchdown pass to who other than Calvin Ridley to put the game at 20-20.

The Bulldogs got the ball back but could not convert on 3rd down with 3 minutes left so they would have to punt. Alabama drove down the field and with 3 seconds left, had the opportunity to kick a 36-yard field goal to win the game. Kicker Andy Pappanastos had already missed a field goal in the game and the nerves got the better of him on this one as well, onto overtime.

The Alabama defense did well on Georgia’s possession, but their kicker Rodrigo Blankenship was able to make a 51-yard field goal making it 23-20 Georgia. Then came Alabama’s possession, and Tagovailoa was sacked to make it a 2nd and 26 from the 41 yard line. Out of nowhere, Tagovaila slings a pass to Davonta Smith down the left side for an Alabama touchdown and Alabama wins the game 26-23.

It was an instant classic, no one was giving Alabama a shot at halftime. The Tide came back with a true freshmen QB and was able to win the game in stunning fashion. And now we enter another debate, is Nick Saban the greatest coach of all time? You decide!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188166
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13637
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456907
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26055
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments