The Tide were led by All-American wide receiver Julio Jones who set school records in catches with 75 and yards with 1,084 this season.

Alabama's strength had been in their defense which led the SEC giving up 14.1 points and 296.0 yards per game as well as forcing 21 interceptions.

[1] After a Robert Lester interception of a Kirk Cousins pass on the Spartans' opening drive, the Tide scored on the ensuing possession on an eight-yard Trent Richardson touchdown run early in the second quarter.

[1] For his performance which included two sacks, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble, Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

[4] Somewhat ignominiously, Michigan State was forced into the unusual circumstance of punting on 4th and goal in the second quarter, due to a fumble that left the Spartans at the 38-yard line.