Alabama got the win over Texas, 37-21, to complete a perfect 14-0 season and clinch the school's 13th national championship and first since 1992.

[citation needed] United States Air Force Academy parachute jumpers, Wings of Blue, dropped in before the National Anthem and 4 F-18 Super Hornets flew over at the conclusion.

Keith Jackson, long-time ABC Sports college football play-by-play announcer, performed the coin toss.

[4] Texas was leading the all-time series with Alabama by a 7–0–1 count (2–0 in Austin, 2–0 in Dallas, 1–0 in Miami, 1–0 in New Orleans, 1–0 in Tuscaloosa, 0–0–1 in Houston).

Texas drove to the Alabama 11, but on 1st down, Colt McCoy (2008 Heisman trophy runner-up and 2009 Heisman Trophy finalist) was hit on QB option run by sophomore defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, pinching a nerve in McCoy's throwing shoulder and leaving him unable to throw the ball accurately.

The power offense resulted in Alabama taking a lead it would never relinquish on the first play of the second quarter.

McElroy was sacked four times by the Texas defense in the first half, but with Ingram II and Richardson both gaining yards steadily on the ground, Alabama rarely needed to pass.

After the recovery, Alabama's Mark Ingram II added his second touchdown of the night and enabled Saban's team to extend its lead to 31–21.

Alabama's defense intercepted Gilbert twice in the ensuing drives and the Crimson Tide's offense added another touchdown from Trent Richardson for a final score of 37–21 (Tiffin's extra point attempt was no good).

[11] After the ensuing kickoff, Texas tried to mount a comeback drive, but Gilbert threw an errant pass that was deflected off of two Texas players and ultimately intercepted by Alabama FS Tyrone King, effectively sealing the win and the national championship for the Crimson Tide.

Texas had closed the Alabama lead to 24–21 on the strength of two touchdown passes caught by senior wide receiver Jordan Shipley and a No.

Alabama defender Eryk Anders made his team's first sack, tackling Gilbert hard enough to force a fumble, which was recovered by Courtney Upshaw at the Texas three-yard line.

On the following drive, with 2:01 to go in the 4th quarter, Alabama's Mark Ingram II scored a touchdown to extend the Crimson Tide's lead to 31–21.

On the second play of Texas' next possession, Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas grabbed his sixth interception of the season, electing to down the ball rather than return it.

However, Alabama's Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II rushed 22 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns, while back-up running back true freshman Trent Richardson contributed an additional 109 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.