Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

2012 BCS National Championship Game – When the Luck of the Irish Wasn’t Enough

After beating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, the No.2 Alabama Football faced the undefeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the BCS National Championship Game in Miami, FL.

The Irish had won some close games, including one in overtime over Stanford and one in triple overtime over Pitt. Notre Dame’s defense, led by Heisman finalist Manti Teo, was allowing only 10.3 points per game, fewest in the country.

Notre Dame had been criticized for looking unimpressive against a weak schedule, and the point spread reflected this concern. Even though the Irish were undefeated, the Tide opened as a small favorite and closed as a 10-point favorite.

Alabama scored on their opening drive, using five plays to go 82 yards and a 20-yard Eddie Lacy run to get into the endzone. It was the longest touchdown drive allowed by Notre Dame’s defense the entire season. The Tide never let up, scoring another first quarter touchdown and two, second quarter touchdowns.

When the Tide scored late in the second quarter, color commentator Brent Musburger said that if the game were a prize fight, it would’ve been called off.

Eddie Lacy’s 140 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries earned him offensive MVP honors in his final game with the Tide. Not to be outdone, AJ McCarron went 20 for 28 for four touchdowns and 264 yards.

With the 42-14 win, Alabama became the first team since USC to repeat as BCS National Champions.

Next: 2014 SEC Championship