TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Tens of thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Alabama's latest national championship, one that was especially hard to achieve.
This time the Crimson Tide had to overcome a loss in the final regular-season game, a series of defensive injuries and a period of uncertainty when it wasn't clear if a fourth consecutive playoff invitation was even forthcoming.
Then there was the climactic title game with Georgia that included a 13-0 halftime deficit, a quarterback switch and an overtime that started with a huge sack of Tua Tagovailoa. The final play -- Tagovailoa's 41-yard touchdown heave to fellow freshman DeVonta Smith -- was etched in the memories of Tide fans, players and coach Nick Saban.