2019 College Football Playoff National Championship
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| 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship | |
|---|---|
| Game name | 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship |
| Subheader | College Football Playoff National Championship Game |
| Date played | January 7, 2019 |
| Season | 2018 |
| Stadium | Levi's Stadium |
| City | Santa Clara, California |
| Attendance | 74,814 |
| Home school | University of Alabama |
| Home name short | Alabama |
| Home nickname | Crimson Tide |
| Home record | 14–0 |
| Home conference | Southeastern Conference |
| Home coach | Nick Saban |
| Home q4 | 21 |
| Visitor school | University of Notre Dame |
| Visitor name short | Notre Dame |
| Visitor nickname | Fighting Irish |
| Visitor record | 12–0 |
| Visitor conference | Independent (college football) |
| Visitor coach | Brian Kelly |
| Mvp | Tua Tagovailoa |
| Odds | Alabama by 14.5 |
| Referee | Mark Dudbridge |
| Network | ESPN |
2019 College Football Playoff National Championship was the concluding game of the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season and decided the national champion under the College Football Playoff system. Held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the matchup featured two undefeated programs: the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Alabama won 26–14, securing a national title under head coach Nick Saban and spotlighting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Background
The College Football Playoff, inaugurated in 2014, replaced the Bowl Championship Series to determine a national champion via a four-team bracket selected by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. The 2018 season saw perennial powerhouses such as Alabama and independent program Notre Dame complete their regular seasons unbeaten, joining Clemson and Oklahoma among top contenders. The semifinals were held as the Cotton Bowl Classic and the Orange Bowl; Notre Dame defeated Clemson in the Cotton Bowl, while Alabama ousted Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. The championship selection followed committee rankings that propelled both teams to Levi's Stadium for the title game.
Teams
Alabama entered with a 14–0 record, multiple SEC titles under Saban, and a roster featuring standout players from the Heisman Trophy conversation such as Tua Tagovailoa and Derrick Henry alumni influence on program prestige. The Crimson Tide’s staff included long-tenured coordinators and position coaches who had produced numerous NFL Draft selections. Notre Dame, 12–0, represented the independent tradition led by coach Brian Kelly, boasting a defense anchored by players later selected in the NFL Draft and an offense guided by quarterback Ian Book. Both programs carried extensive histories of College Football Hall of Fame inductees, storied rivalries against schools like Ohio State and USC, and national television exposure through networks such as NBC and ABC in prior seasons.
Game summary
The championship kicked off under clear skies at Levi's Stadium, with ESPN presenting a production featuring commentators from ESPN and halftime performances tied to the event entertainment. The first quarter saw an early exchange of touchdowns—Notre Dame struck first on a drive led by Ian Book, and Alabama responded with scoring drives orchestrated by Tua Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide rushing attack. Special teams and field position battles involved returners and punters linked to conferences such as the Southeastern Conference and independent program traditions. Notre Dame’s second-quarter scoring was limited to a field goal, while Alabama capitalized on turnovers and explosive plays to lead at halftime.
In the second half Notre Dame struggled to move the ball against an Alabama defense coached by staff with prior experience in conference championship games, and Alabama extended its advantage in the third quarter. The fourth quarter featured key drives culminating in touchdown runs and passes involving players who had notable performances in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Tua Tagovailoa, who had earlier established himself as a top prospect following performances against Georgia and other strong programs, earned Offensive MVP honors after leading scoring drives and converting critical third downs. Defensive standouts from Alabama limited Notre Dame scoring opportunities and sealed the game in the closing minutes.
Scoring summary
First quarter - Notre Dame touchdown — drive led by Ian Book; extra point good. - Alabama touchdown — drive led by Tua Tagovailoa; extra point good.
Second quarter - Notre Dame field goal — kicker connected. - Alabama touchdown — rushing score; extra point good.
Third quarter - Alabama touchdown — sustained drive ends in touchdown; extra point good.
Fourth quarter - Alabama touchdown — short-yardage rushing touchdown; extra point good. - Alabama touchdown — passing touchdown; extra point good. - Final scoring: Alabama 26, Notre Dame 14.
Statistics
Alabama outgained Notre Dame in total yards, converting key third downs and winning the turnover margin. Tua Tagovailoa accounted for multiple passing touchdowns and high passing efficiency, while Ian Book recorded a modest passing line against a top-ranked Crimson Tide defense. Alabama’s rushing attack produced critical yardage late in the game, and Notre Dame’s rushing attack was contained relative to season averages. The Crimson Tide’s defensive statistics included quarterback pressures, sacks, and passes defended by defensive backs who later participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and were selected in the NFL Draft.
Post-game and legacy
The victory gave Alabama its sixth national championship in the modern era under the College Football Playoff/Bowl Championship Series transition and further cemented Nick Saban’s legacy among decorated coaches like Bear Bryant and other College Football Hall of Fame figures. Tua Tagovailoa’s performance elevated his draft stock ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, where several players from both teams were selected, influencing roster construction for franchises including the Miami Dolphins and other NFL teams. Notre Dame’s season, despite ending in defeat, reaffirmed the program’s national relevance amid discussions about playoff expansion, conference realignment involving schools like Oklahoma and Texas, and ongoing debates within the College Football Playoff selection process. The game remained a reference point in analyses by outlets such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated for discussions on quarterback evaluation, coaching legacies, and the evolving landscape of postseason playoff formats.