By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, the University of Alabama football team won its playoff game, advancing to the National Championship Game.
This is the third year in a row that Alabama has faced the Clemson Tigers in the playoffs. Alabama defeated Clemson in the National Championship Game in 2015. In 2016, Clemson defeated Alabama in the National Championship Game. Both of those were close games. This year, Alabama dominated Clemson physically on both the offensive and defensive lines cruising to a 24 and six victory.
The Tide led throughout, but the game was close until two third quarter interceptions by the Tide defense led to 14 points.
Alabama’s congressional leaders were quick to congratulate the Crimson Tide on their victory.
“A huge victory for the Tide! Looking forward to the all-SEC national championship game! ROLL TIDE!!!,” Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, said on social media.
“Congratulations Alabama Football on a great Sugar Bowl victory! Next stop: the National Championship game!,” Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, asked.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-Selma, who represents Tuscaloosa, actually went to the game.
“Headed to NOLA for Alabama vs. Clemson game tomorrow! Another friendly wager with Congressman Jeff Duncan. Third year in a row. While we may be 1-1, the Tide is ready to reclaim the national title! Jeff looks so great wearing the Bear’s hat!! #RollTide,” Rep. Sewell said on social media.
Sewell won her bet.
“What a win!! Congrats to the Tide! Six days to the national championship!,” Sewell said.
Alabama will play the University of Georgia on Monday, Jan. 8. Alabama has a 12 and one record; while UGA is 13 and one and is the Southeast Conference champion. Both team’s only loss was to Auburn University. Georgia defeated the University of Oklahoma 54 to 48 in double overtime. Oklahoma’s quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is this season’s Heisman Trophy winner.
Alabama head football Coach Nick Saban has won five national championships – four with Alabama. Georgia head football Coach Kirby Smart was the defensive coordinator at Alabama under Saban for those four national championships. This is Smart’s second year at the University of Georgia, which has not won a National Championship in the last 37 years.
Fox Sports college football analyst, Joel Klatt, said that the two SEC teams playing for the national championship was “bad for the sport.” Klatt opposes expanding the playoffs from four to eight teams; but said that only conference champions should be allowed in the playoff. Under that system, Ohio State, who won the Big Ten Conference but had an 11 and two record prior to the bowls, would have played in the playoffs instead of Alabama.
This was the seventh time that Alabama has defeated the number one college football team in the country.
College football is the most popular televised sport in the state of Alabama.
