CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Live Updates: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Fourth Quarter:
- Today's attendance at AT&T Stadium was just announced 18,373. In all honesty, it feels like there are more than that here. It's been a very passionate crowd of supporters for both teams.
- Smith's three touchdown receptions is the most in a single College Football Playoff game in Alabama program history and is also tied for the most in a single game in Rose Bowl history.
- On third and eight, Harris rushes for 13 yards to the Notre Dame 29 for a first down.
- Reichard attempts a 41-yard field goal attempt and sails it straight through. Alabama 31, Notre Dame 7 with 12:45 remaining in the game.
- Drive summary: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:20.
- Reichard kicks the football down to the Notre Dame four, where it is fair caught. First and 10 Irish at their own 25-yard line.
- Book is back in at quarterback.
- Williams carries the ball for seven yards and a first down for the Irish at the Alabama 42.
- Book pass complete to Tyree, first and 10 Notre Dame at the Alabama 31.
- Book pass complete to Mayer for 18 yards and a first down at the Alabama 13.
- Book pass complete to Mayer for a touchdown. However, Notre Dame is called for an illegal shift, brining the ball back to the Alabama 18. First down Irish.
- Book pass complete to Mayer for four yards. Second and 11 on the Alabama 14.
- Byron Young brings down Book after a gain of one. Third down and 10.
- Book's pass is overthrown. Fourth and 10 from the 13-yard line.
- Book's pass is incomplete. Turnover on downs. Alabama takes over at its own 13. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- If Jones maintains his present course, he will hold the Rose Bowl record for highest completion percentage. Currently, Jones is sitting at 82.1 percent. The record for the best percentage through 60 minutes was 80 percent set by Mark Sanchez.
- Jones pass to Metchie good for a gain of 10 yards. First and 10 Crimson Tide at its own 24.
- Jones is hit after the pass, giving the Crimson Tide 15 yards and an automatic first down at the Alabama 41-yard line.
- Alabama is called for a false start. First and 15 from the Alabama 36.
- On third down, Jones is called for intentional grounding. Loss of down and the ball is placed at the spot of the foul. Alabama is forced to punt, where it is fair-caught by Salerno at the Irish 20.
- Book is sacked by Demarco Hellams for a loss of one. Third and eight from the Notre Dame 45.
- Books overthrows Mayer, bringing the Irish punting unit onto the field. Fourth and eight from the 45.
- Notre Dame takes its first charged timeout of the second half. There is 3:35 remaining in the contest.
- The Irish have changed their mind and have returned the offense onto the field.
- Book's pass is complete to Davis. Gain of 15 for a first down at the Alabama 40.
- Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II catches the pass from Book, but is ruled out of bounds.
- Saban is called for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
- Book pass complete to Mayer for 10 yards, first down Irish at the Alabama 13.
- First and goal at the one-yard line for Notre Dame after Book's pass is complete to Mayer for seven yards.
- Book rushes to the left side for a one-yard touchdown run. Extra point is good. Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14 with :56 seconds remaining.
- Drive summary: 14 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.
- Notre Dame recovers an onside kick attempt at their own 47. First and 10 Irish with :54 seconds left to play in the game.
- Book rushes 11 yards for a first down at the Alabama 42.
- Alabama is called for pass interference. First and 10 Notre Dame at the Alabama 28.
- :16 seconds remaining.
- With a single second on the clock, Notre Dame calls a timeout on first and 10 at the Alabama 15. Brian Kelly is getting a little snarky.
- Book's pass falls incomplete in the end zone. That's the end of the game. Alabama is heading to the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Miami.
- Final score: Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14.
Third Quarter:
- Alabama will receive the ball to start the second half.
- Billingsley lets the kickoff sail through the end zone for a touchback. First and 10 Alabama at its own 25-yard line.
- Jones pass to Smith complete for 22 yards. First and 10 Alabama at midfield.
- Harris carries the ball for six yards and a first down at the Notre Dame 37.
- Alabama is forced to punt after failing to convert at midfield. Fair catch made by Notre Dame's Matt Salerno. First and 10 Irish at their own 10-yard line.
- Book pass complete to Williams for a gain of five and a first down at the Irish's own 21-yard line.
- Book pass complete to Mayer for a gain of 10. First and 10 at the Notre Dame 34.
- Book's pass intercepted by Alabama linebacker Christian Harris. First and 10 Crimson Tide from its own 38-yard line. The pick is the first turnover of the game for either team.
- One thing to note: with 7:27 remaining in the third quarter, there has yet to be a single penalty called on either the Irish or the Crimson Tide.
- Jones pass complete to Metchie for 40 yards to the Notre Dame 22. First and 10.
- And just like that, Alabama is called for holding — the first penalty of the 2021 Rose Bowl comes with 6:48 remaining in the third quarter. First and 20 for Alabma at the Notre Dame 32.
- Jones scrambles for nine yards on third and four for a first and goal for the Crimson Tide at the Notre Dame seven.
- Smith make a tiptoe catch in the front right corner of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown reception. Extra point by Reichard is good. Alabama 28, Notre Dame 7 with 4:58 left to go in the third quarter.
- Drive summary: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:29.
- With his most-recent touchdown reception, Smith ties the SEC single-season touchdown reception record with 20. The previous record was set by LSU's J'Marr Chase last season. Chase did it in 15 games, while Smith has done it in 13.
- After fielding its first drive at the 25-yard line, Alabama is called for roughing the passer. 15 yards from the spot of the foul and an automatic first down for the Irish at their own 44-yard line.
- Christian Barmore picks up the first sack of the game for the Crimson Tide. Second 24 on the Notre Dame 30.
- Book appears to be shaken up on the play and is sitting on the turf at the left hashmark. Medical team has come out to tend to him. Media timeout.
- Book has been escorted off of the field and into the Fighting Irish's medical tent.
- Drew Pyne is in at quarterback for Notre Dame.
- The Irish are forced to punt on fourth down. Smith returns the punt 20 yards to the Alabama 30. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- Jones pass complete to Forristall for 11 yards to the Alabama 41. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- Jones pass complete to Bolden for 14 yards and a first down at the Notre Dame 44.
- End of the third quarter.
Halftime Notes:
- At the break, Mac Jones has thrown 14-of-16 for 182 yards and three scores.
- DeVonta Smith, Alabama's other Heisman Trophy finalist, finished the first 30 minutes of play with five receptions for 101 yards and two scores, with his longest reception being 34 yards.
- Najee Harris leads the Alabama stable with seven rushes for 93 yards. His 53-yard rush that involved the remarkable hurdle is the longest rushing play of his career.
- We're hearing from some reliable sources that Malachi Moore is injured, but not bad enough to warrant sending him to the locker room. He could potentially return to the field, but for now will remain on the sidelines unless needed.
- Further confirmation from Moore's mother on Twitter:
Second Quarter
- Williams carries the ball for three yards. First and goal from the Alabama nine.
- Freshman defensive back Malachi Moore is dressed on the sidelines but is not in the game. It is unclear whether or not he experienced and injury.
- Timeout Notre Dame. This is its second timeout of the half.
- Book rushes on third and goal from the three-yard line, but appears to be stopped inches short of the goal line. Play is under review.
- After review, the play stands as called on the field. Fourth and goal at the one-yard line for Notre Dame.
- Williams rushes the ball one yard for the touchdown. The extra point by Jonathan Doerer is good. Alabama 14, Notre Dame 7 with 11:16 left to go in the second quarter.
- Drive summary: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:03.
- Billingsley returns the punt from inside the end zone 16 yards to the Alabama 16. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- Jones sneaks up the middle on third and one for a first down. Ball on the Alabama 26.
- Jones pass complete to Smith for for 24 yards. First and 10 at the Notre Dame 49.
- Billingsley makes an excellent catch for a gain of 15 to the Notre Dame 34. First and 10.
- Jones pass complete to Smith for a 34-yard touchdown reception. Extra point by Reichard is good. Alabama 21, Notre Dame 7 with 8:49 to go in the first half.
- Drive summary: 6 plays, 84 yards, 2:21.
- Kickoff is fair caught at the two. The Irish will start at its own 25-yard line.
- Book pass complete to tight end George Takacs for 10 yards and a first down at the Irish 41.
- Notre Dame is forced to punt on fourth down. DeVonta Smith back deep to receive. Bramblett isn't able to get all of it, punting the ball 34 yards to the Alabama 23 yards.
- Jones pass complete to Smith for eight yards and a first down. Ball at the Alabama 46-yard line.
- Timeout Alabama. It is its first timeout of the half. There are :56 seconds left in the first half, third and 13 on its own 43 for Alabama.
- Alabama is forced to punt for the first time today. Notre Dame fair-catches the football at its own 11-yard line and will begin its ensuing drive from there. There are :44 seconds remaining in the first half.
- Notre Dame spikes the ball after a first down. Book then passes the football for a 20-yard completion to wide receiver Ben Skowronek. First and 10 at the Alabama 40.
- Third and final timeout, Notre Dame. There are :15 seconds remaining.
- Book pass complete to Williams for eight yards.
- Doerer attempts a 51-yard field goal. Kick lands in the end zone and is short. Alabama takes over on downs and proceeds to kneel the clock out.
- End of the second quarter.
First Quarter
- Notre Dame receives the kickoff in the end zone, but fumbles the ball at the 13-yard line, recovered by the Fighting Irish at their own eight. First and 10 Notre Dame.
- Running back Kyren Williams rushes for 15 yards to the Notre Dame 27, first down Irish.
- Notre Dame punts the football, fair catch made by DeVonta Smith at Alabama's own 21-yard line. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- Mac Jones pass complete to tight end Miller Forristall, gain of 15. First down Alabama at its own 36.
- Jones pass complete to running back Najee Harris. Gain of 14 to midfield, first down Alabama.
- Jones pass complete to tight end Jahleel Billingsley for seven yards. Second and three at the Notre Dame 43.
- Jones pass complete to Forristall for a gain of six yards, first and 10 from the Irish 37.
- Harris rushes the ball for the first time today, gain of 11. First and 10 at the Notre Dame 26.
- Jones pass complete to DeVonta Smith for a 26-yard touchdown reception. The extra point by Will Reichard is good. Alabama 7, Notre Dame 0 with 10:14 remaining in the first quarter.
- Drive summary: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:36.
- After a touchback, Notre Dame will begin on its own 25-yard line.
- Book pass complete to tight end Michael Mayer, gain of six to the Notre Dame 39 and a first down.
- Notre Dame is forced to punt from its own 44-yard line. The punt is downed by the Irish at the 3-yard line. First and 10 Crimson Tide.
- Alabama linebacker Christian Harris was taken into the medical tent after Notre Dame's last possession. He has not yet emerged.
- Harris rushes to the left, with Smith blocking down field. Gain of 15 on the play, first and 10 for the Crimson Tide at its own 18-yard line.
- Jones pass complete to wide receiver Slade Bolden, brought down at the 35-yard line for eight yards. First and 10 Alabama.
- Harris leaps over the Notre Dame linebacker who was standing nearly fully upright, then sprints for 53 yards to the Notre Dame 12-yard line. First and 10 Alabama. The 53-yard gain was Harris' longest rush of his career.
- Jones fade-away pass to the left corner of the end zone complete to Billingsley for the 12-yard touchdown. Kick by Reichard is good. Alabama 14, Notre Dame 0 with 4:19 to go in the first quarter.
- Drive summary: 5 plays, 97 yards, 1:11.
- Notre Dame will once again begin its drive on its own 25-yard line.
- Book pass complete to Chris Tyree for 27 yards to the Alabama 45-yard line. First and 10 Irish.
- Timeout Notre Dame. It is its first timeout of the first half.
- Williams carries the ball for eight yards, first and 10 Irish at the Alabama 34-yard line.
- Williams rushes for five yards, first and 10 Notre Dame at the Alabama 20.
- Christian Harris has returned to the field.
- End of the first quarter.
Pregame Warmups:
- Depth chart released for both Alabama and Notre Dame:
- DeVonta Smith arrived at AT&T Stadium looking pretty slick:
- Jaylen Waddle is on the field tossing footballs in street clothes:
- The quarterbacks and long snappers are out on the field. Punter Ty Perine is also practicing punts. Place kicker Will Reichard along with the rest of the kickers are also on the field.
- Reichard hit every one of his practice field goals, but doinked his last kick off of the lower half of the right post.Mac Jones Devonta Smith
- Alabama's Rose Bowl captains: Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Alex Leatherwood.
- Landon Dickerson, who injured his left knee in the SEC Championship Game against Florida, was spotted in street clothes helping out the equipment crew picking up and carrying blocking pads.
- Redshirt-junior defensive lineman LaBryan Ray was also in street clothes encouraging his teammates.
- Both teams have cleared the field and we are in the final moments before team introductions and kickoff.
The 2020 Rose Bowl Game - No. 1 Alabama vs No. 4 Notre Dame
DALLAS — The winner of the semifinal between Alabama and Notre Dame will meet the winner of No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Ohio State, which play in the Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., later Jan. 1.
The 2021 CFP National Championship Game is scheduled for Jan. 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla.
College Football Playoff
Game Information
What: College Football Playoff, semifinal No. 1
When: January 1, 2021, 3 p.m. CT
Where: The game was relocated from the Rose Bowl to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
TV: ESPN (Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Todd McShay, Allison Williams)
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network (Play-By-Play: Eli Gold, Analyst: John Parker Wilson, Sideline: Rashad Johnson, Host: Chris Stewart), Sirius/XM: 80/80. ESPN Radio: Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy, Holly Rowe
Online: ESPN+
Alabama's last game: The Crimson Tide won its 28th Southeastern Conference championship with a 52-46 victory over Florida.
Notre Dame's last game: The Fighting Irish took a 34-10 loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.
Series: Notre Dame leads 5-2.
The last meeting: Alabama won its 15th national championship with a dominating 42-14 victory in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. Playing before a Sun Life Stadium record crowd of 80,120 the Crimson Tide raced to touchdowns on its first three offensive possessions and built a lead that eventually reached 35-0 in the third quarter. The title, Alabama's third in four seasons, concluded a 13-1 season for the Crimson Tide. Quarterback AJ McCarron passed for four touchdowns and 264 yards while completing 20 of 28 attempts without throwing an interception. Running back Eddie Lacy rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown while averaging seven yards per carry, wide receiver Amari Cooper caught six passes for 105 yards and two scores, and running back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown. Alabama gained 529 total yards, rushing for 265 yards and passing for 264.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Two of these matchups have come in the postseason, including one “Game of the Century” when No. 3 Notre Dame topped No. 1 Alabama, 24-23, in the 1973 Sugar Bowl. The very next year the two powers met again, this time in the 1975 Orange Bowl to close out the 1974 season – and the Irish again beat the Tide, 13-11, foiling Alabama’s national title hopes. Notre Dame was ranked ninth entering that game while Alabama was No. 2. The Tide’s only win over the Irish was a 28-10 victory in 1986, when the Alabama was ranked second overall and Notre Dame was unranked, in a game played at Legion Field in Birmingham.
• 1973 Sugar Bowl: It was the first meeting between two giants of college football – Alabama and Notre Dame. The game was the latest version of “The Game of the Century,” and it certainly lived up to every inch of newspaper space and moment of air time on radio and television. Notre Dame won, 24-23, in one of the true classics of college football history. The game had everything – six lead changes, outstanding plays in all phases of the game, a tense finish and dramatic play calling. With the close victory, Notre Dame vaulted from third to first in the final Associated Press (AP) rankings. Alabama had finished first in both polls in the regular season and remained the United Press International (UPI) champion, as that ranking did not have a post-bowl survey.
• 1975 Orange Bowl: A rematch of the previous year’s national championship showdown produced another painful, close loss for Alabama as Notre Dame once again proved to be the spoiler for national championship dreams by upsetting the Crimson Tide, 13-11. Alabama was ranked first in the nation in the United Press International (UPI) poll and second by the Associated Press (AP) going into the game, with Notre Dame being eighth and ninth. Notre Dame built a 13-0 lead in the first half and withstood a furious Alabama rally in the game’s final minutes.
• 1987: The previous meeting between the programs resulted in a 37-6 Notre Dame victory. The starting lineups for both teams that day featured several future NFL players, most notably: ... For Alabama: linebackers Derrick Thomas and Keith McCants, running back Bobby Humphrey and tight end Howard Cross. ... For Notre Dame: flanker Tim Brown, running backs Ricky Watters and Anthony Johnson, defensive back Todd Lyght, tight end/OL Andy Heck, and offensive lineman Tim Grunhard.
College Football Playoff
