i have the flu again, so this is going to be quick
the 2018 title game marked the 3rd time in my 13 years that Alabama reached the finals. 2011 saw a heartbreaking loss in OT to Oklahoma, while the rematch in 2012 was an early morning affair, once again resulting in an OU victory. this year’s national title lacked the fanfare but the game was still insane. UCLA came out with a 24-17 victory on JR Nate Stephens’s 117 yards and 2 TDs.
Alabama’s Tim Tebow clone Louis Frazier (of Chicago, IL) was 14-23 for 160 yards and 1 TD and had an uncharacteristic 2 INTs. He was also held to only 27 yards on the ground and 1 TD. Inuit WR Ek Chua Smith of Anchorage Alaska ended his career with 5 rec and 93 yards. So upset with the loss was WR / thug Wendell Harris, that he attempted a flying kick on a UCLA defender after a reception. He had 1 TD and hopefully he will stay for his SR year
Key Highlights from the season
- Alabama finishes the season 12-2 and a #4 ranking in both polls. Ek Chua Smith leaves Alabama with several school records (217 rec 4045 yards 28 TDs)
- Bama still made the BCS Title game despite losing several starters for most of the year due to suspension or injury (this was the last year of Alabama’s 2 year probation)
- Also the administration only offered coach Namath a two year contract extension. Meaning that they are pissed that there is no national title in 13 years. But the school wants rsSO Frazier and JR Harris to stay, so firing Namath was not an option.
Key end of year stats
Frazier 172.7 rating 182-275 2711 yards 23 TDs 8 INTs 608 yards 11 TDs
Junior Williams 934 yards 12 TDs
Stevie Green 619 yards 5 TDs (injured most of the year)
EK Chua Smith 68-1325-9
Wendell Harris 48-673-6 (clutch!!!!)
JUCO kicker John Webster Groza winner 18-21 FGs
2nd Team AA – SR DT Derek Llloyd and SO CB Jacob Martin
Namath won’t leave Alabama unless he is fired (which could happen if there is no National Title in the next 2 years), on the road to Bowden’s career win record. The SEC will once again be tough with Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee, LSU, & Florida all finishing in the Top 25
out
