Jalen Hurts' smile never faded. It was the kind a winning quarterback makes.
Technically, on this night, Hurts was one.
He started, so Alabama's 26-23 triumph over Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game is added to his personal record as a victory.
Therein, of course, lies the irony because from an individual standpoint what transpired Monday would not be classified as a "W" for a player who now sports a 26-2 mark at Alabama.
In 30 minutes, Hurts lost control of the game, his leading role on the team and maybe his future with the Crimson Tide.