For starters... let's discount the notion that Kirby Smart and his team "choked." They did everything they needed to do to win the game. And although it's very difficult to find yourself in a national championship game, it's also worth noting that Georgia has recruited well and will (imo) be contenders in the coming years. Fromm is just a freshman, had a great game and will only get better in the next few years. Georgia isn't done by a long shot.
All of that said... Saban showed why he should be considered the best college head coach in college football history. He has a feel for the game, as was reinforced by his decision to put in a relative unknown backup in to secure his 5th national title game last night. Gutsy.... unafraid to take chances... knows his players... knows the situation... and is willing to take the blame for those type of gambles.
He's won 5 national championships in 10 seasons at Alabama. During those 10 seasons he's amassed 118 wins versus only 19 losses, which equals an astounding .861 winning percentage.
All credit to Saban for pulling out his 5th national championship, for understanding the situation he was in, for making such an extreme decision to put in a freshman QB after realizing his starting QB wasn't producing for his team. As in all of these situations as a head coach - you are resigned to either be the goat or the difference maker.
Nick Saban was the difference maker last night.
Congrats to Bama for a great win.
And congrats to the selection committee might also be in order. They knew Bama was one of the top 4 teams in college football and deserved to be included in the playoffs. Solid team, only one loss on the season, and great head coach running the program.
It was a great game. And thanks to college football this season for providing a lot of quality entertainment. I'd argue that college football has been more entertaining than professional football.