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WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 13, 2016 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 39 ALABAMA SINCE 1894

Congratulations National Champions! Thanks & the for a great year!

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EDITORIAL editor-in-chief Sean Landry [email protected] print managing editor Peyton Shepard digital managing editor Kelly Ward features editor Alyx Chandler visuals editor Melanie Viering opinions editor Leigh Terry chief copy editor Alexis Faire news editor Elizabeth Elkin SCENE ON CAMPUS culture editor Matthew Wilson Fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate on the Strip after winning the sports editor Tyler Waldrep National Championship against Clemson. CW / Peyton Shepard photo editor Layton Dudley multimedia editor Patrick Maddox community manager Dominique Taylor UPCOMING EVENTS ON social media editor Collin Burwinkel TWITTER lead designer Kylie Cowden SUPe store open late Film series Sean Landry @LandrySean ADVERTISING FINAL: Alabama 45, Clemson 40. WHAT: Bama Art House Film advertising manager Emanuel Adelson WHAT: Special SUPe Store hours Alabama is the national cham- (205) 223-5578 Series [email protected] WHEN: Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m. pion of for the WHEN: Wednesday-Thursday, territory manager Dee Griffin – 6:30 p.m. 16th time. (334) 349-2473 7:30-9:30 p.m. [email protected] WHERE: Ferguson Student 1/11/16, 11:22 PM special projects manager Michael Lollar WHERE: Bama Theatre (205) 317-7992 Center, Tutwiler Hall [email protected] Sarah Patterson @UACoachSarah creative services manager Mille Eiborg (205) 614-1457 Can we just give a “Shout Out”to [email protected] ??? What a Cham- is the community newspaper of The University Awards banquet pion this young man has be- Class rings come...And now THE TIDE is the of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced WHAT: Realizing the Dream WHAT: Offi cial class ring days CHAMPION AGAIN! So Proud! Banquet by students.The cannot infl uence editorial deci- WHEN: Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 1/11/16. 11:18 PM WHEN: Friday, 6:30-9 p.m. sions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not 4 p.m. WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel represent the offi cial opinions of the University. Advertising offi ces of The WHERE: Ferguson Student Kelly Ward @kellynnward Center OK, Kenyan, we see you Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus 10:42am - 29 Jun 2015 Drive East. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tus- caloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published Meet and greet CokerDeepBall @CokerDeepBall DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE two times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Art exhibition WHAT: Meet Your Legislators EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WHEN: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday WHAT: Stands in Solitude – EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WHERE: Bryant Conference after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the Kelsey Windham MA Exhibition EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Center EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for WHEN: Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1/11/16, 10:28 PM free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription WHERE: 109 Woods Hall rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made Sean Landry @LandrySean payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White National holiday Million Dollar Band hits C-Murder and the defensive line goes from Subscription Department, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. WHAT: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day hands on hips to dancing The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL Concert WHEN: Monday 1/11/16, 8:23 PM

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The Crimson White. WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 3 Crimson Tide earns yet another national title By Kelly Ward | Digital Managing Editor recovered onside kick. “We felt like we had to win special GLENDALE, Ariz. — At some point, teams in this game,” Saban said. the confetti was cleared from the field Clemson’s had and the cigar smoke scrubbed from the 478 total yards, including 405 in the visiting locker room. air. He was sacked twice, both times It’s a time to celebrate, and Alabama by . He threw for football has a lot to celebrate – a four and was 30-47 with 45-40 win over the previously unde- one . feated Clemson Tigers and its 16th “I think when you play players like national title. this, the whole team has to win,” Saban “This is my – I hate to say – favorite said. “It’s not just the defense stopping team, because I love ‘em all, but these him; it’s the offense doing what they guys have come so far and done so need to do, making plays on special much,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. teams that you need to make.” “Their will, their spirit, to compete and led all rushes with do the kind of things they needed to do 158 net yards. He ran in three touch- to be the kind of team they could be, downs, including a 50-yard score in the I’m happy for them. This is about win- first quarter. ning a game for them. It’s great for our Jake Coker was 16-25 for 335 yards fans, it’s great for the state of Alabama, and two touchdowns. He was sacked but I wanted to win this game for these five times. The Alabama Crimson Tide won its 16th national championship on January 11, 2016. CW / Shelby Akin guys, man.” Both touchdowns were to O.J. And Alabama did win it. The caps the Howard, the tight end who has waited to an onside kick, which Alabama recov- deserved this more than we do.” players wore after the game bore “Won his turn. He had five catches for 208 ered and took a knee to run out the final So the confetti fell and the cigar smoked as one” on the side. yards. Both receptions 12 seconds, the Crimson Tide finished enveloped a team that overcame a five- It took the entire team to pull it off. were 50-plus yards. For his efforts, what it set out to do at the beginning of turnover loss, that battled through accu- Alabama’s offense put up 45 points he was named offensive player of the season: win it all. sations of one-sidedness, of being over- and 473 yards. The defense allowed the game. “This is what we stood up and said at rated, of dead dynasties and injuries and 550 yards and 40 points but had a On the defensive side of the ball, Eddie the beginning of the season,” Howard unmeetable standards. timely interception and were able Jackson took home player of the game said. “We wanted to come out and win a What kind of team does that? to limit Clemson to 6 of 14 on third honors. He finished with three tackles national championship this season, and “Alabama does,” defensive line- downs. Alabama’s special teams had a and an interception. our team fought hard for that, and I’m man said. “We win kickoff return for a touchdown and a After a slugfest with it coming down just so proud of our team, and no team national championships.”

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Before the season began, coach Nick Saban wanted Alabama to get back to doing what it used to do. Alabama was sick of hearing that its time at the top of the sport was over. The team was ready to get back to winning championships. “We just want people to hate playing us and really just be a nightmare for our opponents,” linebacker Dillon Lee said. It took some time, and different players struggled early on, but the Crimson Tide eventually became the type of team it wanted to be and claimed the school’s 16th national title. 16 Alabama vs. Wisconsin W, 35-17 Secondary makes strides: returned an interception for 41 yards.

Alabama started the season off with a huge win over the Badgers that officially put the country on notice. Wisconsin (usually a school that has no problem running the ball) found itself unable to get anything going on the ground due to Alabama’s front seven. Jake Coker appeared to put some distance between himself and challenger Cooper Bateman when he threw for 213 yards and one touchdown. The only real negative from the game was the special teams, which managed to struggle in virtually every opportunity.

Derrick Henry game stat: 147 rushing yards // 3 TDs

CW / Layton Dudley Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee Alabama vs. Ole Miss W, 37-0 Dominant defense: Alabama’s defense recovered three L, 43-37 and grabbed one interception. Ball Security: Alabama fumbled and lost the ball on two kick returns and the combined to throw three . The home opener went as most would have expected as the Crimson Tide rolled over Middle Tennessee. Coker Saban shocked everyone by starting Bateman at , but Coker found himself back on seemed to take the starting role in all but name despite some the field after Bateman threw an interception. Despite four turnovers Alabama dug itself out of a questionable decisions. The defense played well against a huge hole to pull within six with less than three minutes remaining on the clock. Coker forced a long modern looking offense as it prevented Middle Tennessee ball downfield, and the Rebels’ interception essentially sealed Alabama’s defeat to Ole Miss for the from converting more than one third down. Adam Griffith second consecutive year. Alabama also lost then top receiver Robert Foster, elevating missed another pair of field goals to bring his total to 0-for-4 on into the starting lineup. the season.

Henry stat: 127 rushing yards // 1 TD Henry stat: 96 rushing yards // 3 TDs Alabama vs. Louisiana-Lafayette W, 34-0 Dominant Defense II: Alabama held ULM to only 92 yards of total offense.

Coker returned to the starting lineup and Bateman only attempted a single pass. Adam Griffith connected on both his field goals to finish the game with three consecutive makes.

Henry stat: 52 rushing yards // 1 TD

Alabama at Georgia CW / Layton Dudley W, 38-10 Alabama vs. Arkansas Let the offense rest: Alabama scored on a blocked punt and Eddie Jackson scored W, 27-14 on a pick-six. Calvin Ridley: 9 receptions // 140 yards // 1 TD. Alabama played as an underdog for the first time since 2009, and the chip on the Crimson Tide’s shoulder was evident as the Alabama came out and played its Coker continued to make poor decisions with the football, but Alabama’s most complete game of the season to that point. was largely contained, stifling front seven completely contained one of the SEC’s top running games except when a busted assignment allowed him to score on an 83-yard run once the for the second week in a row. Alabama trailed at halftime, but a huge fourth game was essentially decided in Alabama’s favor. It rained a lot. quarter gave the Crimson Tide its third consecutive victory.

Henry stat: 148 rushing yards // 1 TD Henry stat: 95 rushing yards // 1 TD CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 5 Controversy over UAs national Nothing but a winner? championships remains undecided. By Peyton Shepard | Print Managing Editor HAF and CFRA, but according to the NCAA website shares the title with Stanford (10-0-1), which was also awarded retroactively. It’s no question that the University of Alabama football program wins – a Three ranking systems recognized Notre Dame (10-0) as No. 1, lot. The Crimson Tide lived up to its winning reputation on Monday after 1930: but four ranking systems retroactively recognized Alabama (10-0) as the title securing its fourth national title in the past seven years. By every possible holder. While the 1930 team would not have claimed a title at the time, the measure, it has the most national championships in the country, barring 1930 title is now often listed as a co-championship between the two schools. some dubious 19th century claims in the Ivy League. What is up for debate, however, is the total number of national titles claimed 1934: Alabama (10-0) claims it shares this title with Minnesota (8-0). in their championships count. If you ask the average Alabama fan, or look at Minnesota was retroactively recognized by more ranking systems. any team memorabilia currently being sold, the Tide’s most recent win makes 16 national championships. Some measurements place that total closer to 1941: Alabama held a 9-2 record this season and claims the title based twenty, using some polls of varying veracity. Others, such as an “AP-only” on the Houlgate ranking system. It finished No. 20 in the AP Poll. Nearly every viewpoint, have it around 10. selector awarded Minnesota the title. The NCAA doesn’t award national championships, which makes count- ing them complicated, a matter usually handled by each school. That’s how Alabama ended up with 16. Undisputed Alabama AP, BCS and CFP Championships The titles most often called controversial for Alabama are 1934 and 1941. These and three other championships in 1930, 1925 and 1926, which are rec- ognized in the NCAA’s list of “major selectors” were added by then-sports information director Wayne Atcheson to the 1982 Crimson Tide media guide in what he told The Birmingham News was an effort to “make Alabama foot- ball look the best it could” by recognizing the five championships preced- 1961 1964 1965 1973 ing Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s successful tenure as Alabama’s . While colleges have the ability to claim national titles based on their own standards of reporting, these five additions to the Alabama championship pile are often hotly contested. Here’s a look at the five disputed national championships that the University 1978 1979 1992 claims. 1925: Alabama had a 10-0 record and was retroactively awarded the title by the Helms Athletic Foundation and College Football Researchers Association. 2009 2011 2012 2015 1926: Alabama (9-0-1) was again awarded a retroactive title by the

congratulates the alabama crimson tide on their national championship!

Located next to taco mama · 2104 University Blvd. 205-752-2990 · www.locker-room.biz WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 6 WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 7 HEROES: Tide gets contributions from all sides

By Sean Landry | Editor-in-Chief to Mark (Ingram) and Trent (Richardson) and couple of games. But he’s really done a great job (Eddie) Lacy... The goal is not to be better than for us all year in whatever his role has been. I GLENDALE, Ariz. – There were no heroes each other. The goal is to carry the torch and get always like to see guys that are seniors who have in The University of Alabama’s 45-40 win over that thing on fire. That’s what Derrick’s been been great contributors in the program do some- Clemson in the National doing, and we’re so proud of him, top-to-bottom.” thing special that’s going to be a great memo- Championship game. There was no one player to And there was only his backup, who had ry to them, and that kickoff return was really crown in history as the Crimson Tide’s savior, no labored in obscurity, battling injuries more something special.” one player who ran wild over Clemson en route often than tacklers – a broken arm here, a And there was only the sophomore receiver to Alabama’s 16th national championship. potentially career-ending broken leg there. who never caught more than eight passes a There was only the same workhorse there had had been near silent all season, game, who scored just four touchdowns and always been, the one who kept his head down never breaking 100 yards in a game and scor- managed to make several catches to save his and worked harder, the one resolved to carry his ing just twice, most recently in week two. Then team’s season all the same. ArDarius Stewart team and then did, the one who could always, he posted one of the most important plays in caught just two passes Monday night, but one always be counted on to close the game. Derrick modern college football history when he caught came on a high-arching ball down the side- Henry carried the ball 36 times for 158 yards and a Clemson kickoff, made a man miss at the line on third down when the Crimson Tide three touchdowns, bringing his season total to 20-yard-line, another at the 45 and outran trailed by three in the third quarter. Stewart 28 touchdowns and 3,591 yards, breaking Shaun everybody else to the end zone for the couldn’t see the ball until the last second, Alexander’s record for career rushing yards biggest play of his career. and was double covered, but made the at Alabama. “When the season started, I didn’t basket catch to set up “If I do my job, then I carry the torch when know who would be more productive, Alabama’s game-tying it’s in my hands, then I cheer on the next guy Derrick Henry or Kenyan Drake,” field goal. when it comes to him,” Alexander said after the coach Nick Saban said. “I thought they CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 game. “I’m still very close with both would be. Kenyan fought, wheth- and who passed me the torch. er it was hamstrings or all kinds of I saw Sherman Williams earlier today and injuries. Then he got a little frus- a couple of months ago. Those trated and put a lot of pressure on are the guys that passed me the torch, so I came himself and got him settled down, here and passed it to Brandon Mirees and he and he started to be productive, and passes it to (Kenneth) Darby and he passes it as soon as he started to be produc- to (Glen) Coffee and Coffee gives it tive, he broke his arm so he missed a

CW / Layton Dudley

WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 10

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 And there was the tight end who to me.” “You know, I was real excited about (the FSU forgot, the former five-star recruit with 33 recep- And there was only the quarterback who threw championship),” Coker said. “I love those guys tions entering the game. O.J. Howard hadn’t those passes, a slow-talking, swoop-banged coun- on that team. I still got some of my best friends caught a touchdown pass since Sept. 9, 2013. He try boy from Mobile, Alabama, who dreamed from that team. It was really exciting, but to be had never had triple-digit receiving yards in a of this day like so many slow-talking, swoop- able to really, really be a part of this one, espe- game.game. On MondayMonday ninight,ght,t hhee cacaughtught ffiveive papassesssees bangedbanged countrycouo ntry boysboys frfromomo MMobile,obile Alabama, do. cially – I mean I love FSU – but playing for your forfor 208 yayardsrds anandd two touctouchdowns.hdowns. It tooktook fivefive yyearsears fforor JJakeake CoCokerker to make it to home state, who you grew up pulling for, it’s “Personally,“Personally, I’mI’m justjust excited,”excited,” thethe schoolschool hehe grewgrew uupp rorootingoting fofor,r picking up a beyond special to me.” HowardHoward ssaid.aid.d ““WeWe ggotot a NNationalational nationalnan tional championshipchamppiionship ringring asa a backup at So there were no heroes in Alabama’s win ChampionshipChampionship wwin.in. Our teteamam FloridaFlorida State.Stattee. InIn hihiss lolonene starting sea- over Clemson on Monday night. There was only wonwon thethe NCAANCAA championship.championship. sonsoon at Alabama,Alabama, CokerCoker finished with a team: Nick Saban’s favorite team and college I justjust feefeell grgreateat as an inindi-di- a 676 percentperceent completioncomplet rate, 3,110 football’s best. vidual.viduall. I scscoredcored a toutouch-ch- yards,yards, 21 touchdownstouchdow and eight “This is what we stood up and said at the begin- downdown tonight.tonigi ht. I feelfeell goodgood interceptions.interceptions.. HisHis best perfor- ning of the season,” Howard said. “We wanted aboutabout that,that, of course,course, butbut mancemancn e camecame inin hishhi last game, a to come out and win a National Championship if wewe wowouldn’tulu dn’tt hhaveavve wowonon 16-for-25,16-forr-225, 335-yard,335-yar two-touch- this season, and our team fought hard for that, thethe game,gaamme, thatthat touchdowntouuchdown down,down, drive-saving,drive-savi champion- and I’m just so proud of our team, and no team wouldn’twouldn’t meanmeaan anythinganything ship-winningshipp-winningg night.nig deserved this more than we do.”

CW / Layton Dudley

CW / Layton Dudley CW / Layton Dudley

CW / Shelby Akin WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 11 Defense gets big stops when needed

By Kelly Ward | Digital Managing Editor on us. The leaders wouldn’t let guys get their 93 total. The two sacks and two tackles for loss heads down. We knew we were still in it, had accounted for the 20-yard difference. GLENDALE, Ariz. — Bend, don’t break. It’s not a chance there. I’m happy to be here with “He’s a smooth operator out there,” Ragland the Alabama way, with defenses stifling teams my team.” said. “He kept his team in the game with his feet at the line of scrimmage and blanketing receiv- The defense knew what it was getting into before and he made some great passes, but at the end, my ers in coverage. That was the Crimson Tide the game. Former Alabama defensive coordina- team held it down and we got to him. We kind of defense against No. 3 Michigan State, utterly tor and current Georgia head coach wore ‘em down. We did a great job.” dominating the Spartans in a 38-0 rout in the prepped the team for the force that is Watson. Even with the win and a 16th title, Alabama semifinal matchup. “Coach Smart preached to us the whole time coach Nick Saban had critiques about the per- Monday night, Clemson put up 550 yards on that it was going to be a tough, physical game, and formance the next day. He was still happy about Alabama’s defense, and Heisman-finalist Deshaun they was going to make shots on us, and they did, the win. Watson was responsible for 478 of those, with 405 but we weathered the storm,” Ragland said. Smart said you have to be happy to win in differ- coming in the air. Watson came into the game, having finished ent ways than what you’re known for because of The Tigers converted 6 of 14 third downs and put third in the Heisman voting. His 478 yards were how football has evolved. People are going to put up 40 points on the unit that has been the identity the most in a national championship game by any up numbers and score. for this Alabama team. Going into the game, many one player. “To do, let’s say, what we did with Michigan had Alabama’s defense as the best in the country, He completed nearly 64 percent of his 47 pass State is just a little bit of a misnomer,” Smart said. led by a vicious front seven. attempts and threw an interception. He was “It just doesn’t happen anymore. People score But, when it needed to, the defense made stops in sacked twice in the second half, both by linebacker points, especially ones with athletic quarterbacks. the 45-40 win to claim the national title, Alabama’s Rashaan Evans. Watson netted 73 yards but had You gotta be able to defend them or at least hold fourth in seven years. them under their averages, and you gotta be able “Michigan State was pound and grind and to score on offense.” this game here was more side to side, And the offense did score. It was able to push sidelines, lot of running,” senior ahead for a 12-point lead late in the game. It linebacker said. shrank to five with 12 seconds left, but the “And they did a great job of it, defense had done its job. but my team, we “Our defense, they held on fought to the end. and made plays when we They went up needed them most,” tight end O.J. Howard said.

Cw / Layton Dudley WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 201612 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Alabama at Texas A&M Alabama vs. Charleston Southern W, 41-23 W, 56-6 Let the offense rest II: recorded two pick-sixes and Eddie Jackson added a third. : Two punts returned for 115 yards and a school-record two touchdowns. One forced and recovered. If Coker hadn’t won the team over before, he did with his performance in College Station, Texas. Coker only threw for 138 yards, but he did not shy away Alabama heard Saban’s earlier rant that week loud and clear. The Crimson from contact and he took some tough hits running the ball. The special teams Tide scored 49 points in the first half, and fans were able to see plenty of unit also improved as JK Scott averaged 48.3 yards on eight punts and Griffith younger players like get playing time. made an additional two field goals. Henry stat: 68 rushing yards // 2 TDs Henry stat: 236 rushing yards // 2 TDs Alabama vs. Tennessee Alabama at Auburn W, 41-23 W, 29-13 Critical catches: Three Alabama players finished with at least five recep- tions. A couple of these catches were critical to keeping Alabama’s chances of Kicking it: Griffith finished the day 5-for-5, and his longest attempt was a winning the game alive in the fourth quarter. 50-yard field goal.

Alabama scored the go-ahead touchdown off a run from Henry with less The win over rival Auburn gave the Crimson Tide its back-to-back SEC West than three minutes left in the game. Tennessee pushed Alabama harder than titles for the first time since Saban took over. Ridley and ArDarius Stewart almost any of the Crimson Tide’s other opponents, but the defense recovered a finished with 90 and 81 yards receiving respectively. fumble with less than two minutes remaining to seal the victory for Alabama. Henry stat: 271 rushing yards // 1 TD Henry stat: 143 rushing yards // 2 TDs

CW / Layton Dudley

Alabama vs. LSU Alabama vs. Florida W, 30-16 W, 29-15 Dominant defense III: Florida went 0-for-11 on third down, and the Gators Killing a Heisman candidacy: – 31 rushing yards // 1 TD were held to 15 rushing yards.

While the Crimson Tide was warming up, Arkansas upset Ole Miss, paving Florida’s defense made Henry and Coker work for it, but Alabama was too the way for Alabama to take control of the SEC West with a win over LSU. much for an inept Gators offense led by Treon Harris. Griffith tacked on a 55-yard field goal near the end of the second quarter, and grabbed an interception, JK Scott averaged 51 yards on six punts, and everyone linebacker Dillon Lee grabbed an interception on the first play of the second celebrated the victory that essentially locked up Alabama’s spot in the playoff half to shift momentum in Alabama’s favor. and the Crimson Tide’s first back-to-back SEC Championship under Saban.

Henry stat: 210 rushing yards // 3 TDs Henry stat: 189 rushing yards // 1 TD Alabama at Mississippi State Alabama vs. Michigan State W, 38-0 W, 31-6 Jake Coker: 25-of-30 // 286 passing yards // 2 TDs

Who needs the red zone: All four of Alabama’s touchdowns were scored on Alabama used a huge 21-point third quarter to essentially put the game plays that went at least 60 yards. away, as the Crimson Tide leaned on Coker over Henry for the first time this season. Ridley finished the game with eight receptions and 138 yards and a Cyrus Jones finally found the end zone when he took a punt pair of third quarter touchdowns. Cyrus Jones also had a great game as the back 69 yards to get Alabama on the board first. Alabama’s defense struggled defensive back grabbed one of the team’s two interceptions that preserved the to shut down Mississippi State’s offense at times, but the Bulldogs never found shutout and returned another punt for a touchdown. Alabama was ready to the end zone, and the defense recovered a fumble and got another interception. take on Clemson with a national title on the line.

Henry stat: 204 rushing yards // 2 TDs Henry stat: 75 rushing yards // 2 TDs WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 13 The real MVP: Bama’s surprise onside kick By Kelly Ward | Digital Managing Editor was real confident in it. It was oneone of the best ones. That’s for sure.” GLENDALE, Ariz. — The ball only had to go When Alabama recovered thehe ball, it needed two 10 yards. plays to take a lead, which it neverever ggaveave upup.. Ten players had to be behind Adam Griffith “That was a huge, huge play iinn the game because before he chipped the ball. If any one of them I felt like we had all the momentumentum and were gget-et- was ahead of the ball, there would’ve been a ting ready to get the ball back,”ack,” Clemson head flag: offsides. coach said. “WeWe were confident in Kirby Smart couldn’t go where we were, and it was a hugeuge play.play.”” up to the huddle and warn them not to be offsides. Clemson kicked a field goal on its next posses-posses- He couldn’t give away the play. He had to stand on sion. On the ensuing kickoff, KKenyanenyan Drake took it the sideline and watch as head coach Nick Saban back 95 yards and dove into thee end zone. It was his made a call few were sure existed in the Alabama first kickoff return for a touchdowndown aandnd AlAlabama’sabama’s playbook. An onside kick is rare enough for sixth special teams touchdownn of tthehe yearyear.. Alabama but attempting one by surprise is nearly Saban said he felt the team neededeeded to win speciaspeciall unheard of. teams in the game. Between ththee onsionsidede kick anandd The ball only needed to go 10 yards. It went 15. kickoff return, Alabama did. Ten players couldn’t pass the ball before Griffith “We weren’t playing very wwellell on ddefense,efense, anandd kicked it. No one did. it was a tie game, and I thoughtght we neededneeded to ddoo Griffith had to be perfect. Marlon Humphrey had something that was going to changechange thethe momen-momen- to be perfect. Both were. tum,” Saban said. “That certainlynly ddid,id, anandd tthenhen tthehe “The onside kick was huge; it was a great kick kickoff return was big too, soo speciaspeciall teams wwasass by Grif,” Saban said. “I think it changed the what did it for us.” momentum of the game, and the guys finished.” The game was tied up at 24 with 10:34 left to play. Griffith had just made a 33-yard field goal. GRIFFITH’S STATS The defense had forced Clemson to punt on its last two drives, but the unit was gassed, having spent • 23-of-28 since starting 0-of-4 as much time on the field as the offense and more • long of 55 than nine-and-a-half minutes of the third quarter on the field. • 11-of-14 from 1-29 yards out When he got the signal for the surprise onside • 5-of-7 from 30-39 yards out kick, Griffith was ready. “We practice that once a week,” Griffith said. “I

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By Alexis Faire and Peyton Shepard | CW Staff Season Stats Game Stats

14-1 season record 335 passing yards by Jake Coker for a career best

40-13 against AP Top 25 teams since 2007 2 touchdown passes by Jake Coker

13-3 record against Clemson since 1900, seven of which were 2 sacks by Rashaan Evans shutouts 473 total yards SEC Stats 30:31 minutes of possession 27 forced turnovers by Alabama, most in the SEC 208 yards by tight end O.J. Howard, breaking the 9 interceptions, most in the SEC Alabama single-game record for receiving yards by a tight end 2 touchdowns by O.J. Howard

CW / Layton Dudley

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Install silt fences and other sediment/ erosion controls. Minimize disturbed areas during construction. Seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible. Direct stormwater away from the construction site. WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 15 HENRY RUSHES FOR RECORDS By Maggie Rocker | Associate Editor

career rushing rushing touchdowns – tied with 3,591yards – broke Shaun 3 for most rush- Alexander’s school record ing touchdowns in a bowl game carries – most in a yards – most by an 395 season at Alabama 158 Alabama in a national championship game

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Appalachia Travel www.BahamaSun.com 800-867-5018 HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (01/13/16). is an 8 -- Don’t count on money to high standards. Stifl e your Consider your true desires and that hasn’t come in yet. Travel well- rebellious tendencies. Prepare a dreams for this year. Imagine it worn paths. Practicality wins. It’s current budget. It’s a good time to done. Get plans in order. Organize not a good time to gamble. Keep sell, after researching the market. and strategize for April action. things simple. Assess your talents. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Get the word out this spring, and Choose your path to develop work Today is an 8 -- Your past work career opportunities expand in new you love. speaks well for you. Your spiritual directions over summer. Capture Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today practices clear your mind. Romance autumn adventures in words and is a 7 -- Look at it from another’s the answers out of the material. images. Express your passion. To view. They see something that Others are impressed. You’re get the advantage, check the day’s you miss completely. Choose the keeping interesting company. rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the option that’s good for home and Introduce your partner to a very most challenging. family. Don’t let good memories be special older individual. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today smudged by regret. Share concerns Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- is a 7 -- Stick with what works. with someone trusted. Accept Today is a 9 -- Friends offer good Discover a structural problem. Don’t assistance. advice. Position yourself for change. launch before you’re ready. Handle Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is Money tends to slip away now. responsibilities on time. You could an 8 -- Draw up the plan. Don’t rush Don’t make expensive promises. SUDOKU feel pressured. Let family know if into anything. Slow and easy does Stick to practical matters. Listen plans change. Learn from someone it. Once you see what’s underneath, and understand. Tempers are short who’s been there, done that. you can build it stronger. Neatness now. Follow the money trail. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today counts. Learn from an expert. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Another creative project Creative problem-solving pays very is an 8 -- Finish a tedious chore develops. Stick to the basics. well. and savor the freedom. Someone Something you try now doesn’t Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is is impressed. Reward yourself work. Don’t make assumptions or a 9 -- There’s more creative work with something delicious together. spend thoughtlessly. Be patient coming in. Timing is everything. Private conferences yield favorable with a resister. Take a leap of faith Keep your objective in mind. results. Share your dream. Gain and fall in love all over again. You’re gaining respect. Prioritize more than expected. Savor a lovely Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today process over content. Is it fun? moment. is a 9 -- Team up with a genius and Better technology increases profi ts. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today form a creative partnership. Let Consider a purchase. Hold out for is an 8 -- Finish a tough job before yourself get persuaded into action. the best deal. going out. An older person offers Discuss future options. Provide Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- instruction. Choose to do the work excellent service. There’s plenty of Today is a 9 -- Build a strong now, and play later. Dirt needs to work. Do the homework. It could foundation. Hide out, if necessary. be moved. Get your team involved. get romantic. Circumstances demand responsible Make structural changes. You’re Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today money handling. Hold yourself gaining respect. WEDNESDAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONS January 13, 2016 16 THIS IS HOW WE ROLL CONGRATULATIONS CRIMSON TIDE

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