(See Video at bottom for picture awesomeness)

After the devastating end to the season last year (losing to Florida and Utah), ‘Bama was able to kindle a deeply routed urge to reconcile with the regions insatiable desire to win.  Saban’s win makes him the first coach in the modern era to win BCS titles with two schools.

Two things that stand out:

• Alabama’s horrendous fake punt (apparently the “up-man” called the audible)
• Colt McCoy injury

In reference to the latter, ‘Bama fans will say it was of minor importance in determining the outcome.  Longhorn fans assent to the stipulation of capitalizing on the two early gaffs at the hands of the Tide.

From what I saw, Alabama controlled the line of scrimmage, had a glaring advantage of speed all over the field, and more importantly to the edges, and were able to run the ball effectively.  Removing sacks from the equation, Alabama rushed for 240 yards on 44 carries.

We can play the what-ifs and hypothetical scenario contingencies to sub-terentiary degrees, but reality always finds its place on the surface.  Its an exercise in futility, chaos theory invariably transcends hypothetical arguments.

If Colt McCoy would have been healthy, yes perhaps they score a TD on one of the two possessions early in the 1Q.  Just as well, Alabama may have adjusted their defensive execution to maintain a more concerted front instead of obsessing over putting pressure on the Texas QB newbie Gilbert.  Of consequence, Mark Ingram had to leave for a few series with cramps in the 3Q, during which ‘Bama was not able to move the ball whatsoever.  Additionally, ‘Bama’s big lead, arguably owning to the McCoy injury, led to rather vanilla play-calling, plays rustling about in a manner of serene indifference, unfortunately an all too common theme in college football.

Alabama was the favorite.  Alabama had the better players.  Alabama had the tougher schedule.  Alabama was the better team.

And I relish in picking winners.

Quick aside, Saban’s decision to punch it in at the end, deemed classless by many, seen as a GFY by most.  For those that had Texas +10.5 and under teasers…GFY compliments of Nick Saban.

Links:

What will the final polls look like?

Saban the teaser screwer. (CMForums)

TBL user comments. (TBL)

Old-school style win, best ever? (Tidefans.com)

Mike Freeman offers dubious kudos to Bama…McCoy excuse alert (CBSSports)

Sports Network recap. (TSN)

Video:

Saban gets smacked in face by gatorade jug -