People used to say that defenses win championships; that’s no longer true in this age of college football, where games are routinely decided by which team gets the ball last.
Unless, of course, you're Alabama.
Alabama dominated No. 15 Auburn in the Iron Bowl, 30-12. The Tigers’ fifth-ranked rush offense — which gashed opponents for an average of 297.8 yards per game this season — managed a paltry 66 rushing yards, and 182 yards overall.
NFL-level talents Ryan Anderson, Tim Williams, Reuben Foster and Jonathan Allen secured seven tackles for loss against Auburn’s quarterbacks, including one sack, though their presence in the Tigers backfield was more important than the tackles they made: Neither John Franklin III nor Jeremy Johnson looked comfortable, resulting in errant throws all night and a late interception to seal the game.