Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims (6) celebrates with fans after defeating Missouri in the 2014 SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. Alabama beat Missouri 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2014 SEC Championship Game – Blake Sims’ Day in the Spotlight

After a dramatic 55-44 win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Alabama Football advanced to Atlanta to face the Eastern Division champion Missouri Tigers.

2014 marked Alabama Football’s ninth appearance in the SEC Championship Game, after going 4-4 in eight previous contests.

Missouri’s much vaunted pass defense wasn’t much of a factor early, as Alabama relied on short passes and an imposing rushing attack. Derrick Henry and TJ Yeldon had two touchdowns each in a game that quickly became a rout of the Tigers. The defense was suffocating, holding Mizzou quarterback Maty Mauk to under 50% completion percentage and the Tigers were able to gain only 41 yards on the ground.

After being criticized for much of the season, fifth-year senior Blake Sims finished the game as the offensive MVP after a 23-27 performance for 262 yards and two touchdowns. His 85.2 percent completion percentage is an SEC Championship Game record. Amari Cooper’s 12 catches are also a championship game record.

Mizzou’s only touchdown came early in the third quarter, on a 4th down conversion from Maty Mauk to Bud Sasser. Mauk had some success late in the game with the deep ball, but was unable to rally his team to a comeback.

After a 42-13 win, Alabama Football advanced to the inaugural College Football Playoff as the No.1 seed before being upset by the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Next: 2015 SEC Championship