Alabama Holds Off McCoy-Less Texas

Top-ranked Alabama rolled out to a big lead after No. 2 Texas lost star quarterback Colt McCoy on its first offensive series, and the Crimson Tide held off a furious second-half rally in a 37-21 victory that won the school its 13th national college football championship. McCoy, a Heisman Trophy finalist, suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by freshman Garrett Gilbert.

Gilbert got Texas (12-1) within 24-21 after trailing 24-6, but fumbled inside his own 10 with three minutes left in the game. Alabama (13-0) recovered, and running back Mark Ingram, the Heisman winner, scored his second touchdown of the game a minute later to ice it. Alabama scored again in the final minute after Gilbert threw his third interception.