DeVonta Smith adds huge first half to bolster legendary Alabama highlight reel
By Keith Farner
Published:
Alabama WR DeVonta Smith was a focal point of the defensive game plan for Notre Dame coming into the Rose Bowl, but the Fighting Irish still had trouble slowing him down.
Smith made two touchdown catches in the first half of 26 and 34 yards as he showed a national audience some of the same moves and athleticism that dominated the SEC this season. The only brief concern for Crimson Tide fans came when Smith landed hard on his second touchdown, and appeared to injure his lower back. But he worked out the issue on a stationary bike, and with some trainers nearby late in the first half.
The only disappointing play came when he was slowed on a running play where Smith lost five yards late in the first half.
Smith finished with five catches for 101 yards, as he caught all five targets.
Here’s a sampling of some of the reaction to Smith’s big-time first half:
Devonta Smith looks like he’s the only player to have discovered the turbo button on his controller 💨 pic.twitter.com/FEQn9OPKQz
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) January 1, 2021
Devonta was high-4.4 range for NFL scouts at pro-day spring of his sophomore year. If a GM lets Smith’s 40 time influence where the team has him stacked on the board he should lose his job. https://t.co/YAkb3reGaA
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 1, 2021
People argued with me 2 weeks ago when I said definitively Devonta Smith is your Heisman winner! #RoseBowl #CFBPlayoff #RollTide
— Coach Smitty (@HCBrianSmith) January 1, 2021
Does Devonta Smith have a single weakness other than possibly wearing the same pants size as me? Dude looks unstoppable
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 1, 2021
DeVonta Smith’s EIGHTH 100+ yard game this season
Most in College Football
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 1, 2021
Devonta Smith should 120% win the Heisman
— Gamecocks Today (@gamecocktoday) January 1, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
