The Alabama Crimson Tide dominated early and held on late to secure its “13th” title in school history with a 37-21 win over Texas last night in the BCS championship game. Alabama running backs had a big night as Heisman winner Mark Ingram finished with 116 yards and two scores while super freshman Trent Richardson rushed for 109 and two TDs as well. The Tide figured to roll over Texas, especially after the winningest QB in NCAA history Colt McCoy was forced from the game after the first series with a shoulder injury. After running out to a 24-6 halftime lead, perhaps Alabama slacked a bit as the backup Texas QB Garrett Gilbert opened up the offense with two TD passes to cut the lead to 24-21 and the ball on the Longhorns 7 with three minutes to play. Alabama forced a fumble and then intercepted Gilbert to tack on two final scores in the last two minutes for the final margin.
The Thrashers’ losing streak is finally over as Atlanta needed a shootout to edge out the New York Rangers 2-1. Slava Kozlov and Bryan Little both notched goals in the shootout and Johan Hedberg stopped four of five shots to give Atlanta its first win after nine straight losses. Jim Slater scored Atlanta’s lone goal in regulation, an equalizer in the third period.
The No.8 Georgia Bulldogs women’s basketball team needed a late three-pointer from a freshman, but coach Andy Landers got it from Jasmine James and the Lady Dawgs improved to 15-0 after a 61-60 win over Kentucky. The 15-0 start is the best start in Georgia history. Ashley Houts led all scorers with 27 points. … In other state basketball news, Kennesaw State scored just 13 first-half points en route to a 63-46 loss to East Tennessee State. The loss drops the Owls to 5-10, 2-3 in Atlantic Sun Conference play.