There’s no shortage of things to talk about when it comes to Alabama’s victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff national championship game.
The game featured a little bit of everything, but it seems like the hottest topic is Nick Saban’s place in history and his fourth-quarter decision to onside kick — a move that turned the tide in the Tide’s favor.
Here’s a look at what the national media is saying about Alabama’s championship:
An enduring coach pulls a timely trick
The New York Times offers its own take on Nick Saban’s legacy and how stepping out of his comfort zone is what makes him great. Plus, the article draws a comparison by harkening the likes of Christian Laettner and the Duke Blue Devils.
Alabama players voted not to open letter from NFL Draft Advisory Board
According to ESPN’s Joe Schad, the Alabama players voted not to open their letters from the NFL Draft Advisory Board prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Pro Football Talk explains the impact and reasoning behind the decision, most notable from Nick Saban’s objection for the influence it creates on the game.
Alabama TE OJ Howard told me the team took a vote to withhold NFL Draft grade feedback until after the championship game
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 9, 2016
Onside kick was one clever trick by Alabama’s Nick Saban
Bill Plaschke isn’t mincing his words when he says “Nick Saban is now the best coach in college football history.” The ESPN personality argues in his Los Angeles Times column that not just the wins and titles earn him the legacy, but also for his stoicism among chaos, even while stepping out of character with the now legendary onside kick.
Alabama wins national title thanks to Nick Saban’s savvy, historic decision
Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated puts into perspective Nick Saban’s place in history and how the decision to onside kick in the fourth quarter of a championship game points to the evolution of a man who might be considered the best coach of all-time.
How Lane Kiffin saved his career
John Talty of AL.com takes us behind the scenes of Lane Kiffin’s night after winning the first national title as an offensive coordinator of his young, but oft-maligned, career.
Lane Kiffin regains head coach credibility at Alabama
What do they think of Alabama’s national title up north? Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin won back a fan in New York Post’s Howie Kussoy.
The best player in Alabama’s championship win spent 3 years waiting for his chance
It can’t all be about Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin. After all, they didn’t strap on any pads. Alabama tight end O.J. Howard definitely played, hauling in 208 yards and two touchdowns. Laken Litman of USA Today’s “For The Win” talks with Howard about his monster night.
Alabama thought it was funny Clemson had ‘audacity’ to talk trash
Cyrus Jones shares via AL.com some pregame banter that Alabama heard from the Clemson players and how that smack talk only provided further fuel for an already-motivated Tide squad.
Despite loss, Clemson has given South Carolina much to celebrate
South Carolina’s The State knows that Clemson fans are hurting after falling short of winning the program’s first national title since 1981. Gerry Melendez explains why the entire Palmetto State, not just the Tigers and their fans, should be hold their heads high despite the loss to Alabama.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
