On This Day in Alabama History – The Dynasty Begins

Tuscaloosa, AL. - On this day in Alabama history, the Crimson Tide began what would be known as the greatest dynasty in college football history, with Alabama defeating Texas in the BCS National Championship 37-21 to claim the Crimson Tide's 13th national championship in football, and Alabama's first national championship since 1992.

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The Crimson Tide cemented an undefeated season in Pasadena, California, earning the program's first win ever against the University of Texas, with stout defensive play by many names recognizable by Crimson Tide fans, and big-time performances by young players offensively, including Alabama's first Heisman winner - Mark Ingram II.

Ingram was named the MVP of the BCS National Championship, leading a two-headed monstrous attack at running back with 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Trent Richardson was the other monster in the Alabama rushing attack, matching Ingram's 100-yard performance with 109 yards and two touchdowns of his own, with the talented running back duo accounting for 225 of Alabama's 296 yards and 28 of 37 points in Alabama's dominant victory over the Texas Longhorns.

The game's initial touchdown for Alabama began when the Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram punched it in from the goal line to start the second quarter after Alabama ended in a 6-0 deficit at the end of the first quarter.

It was a sign of things to come for the Crimson Tide that night.

After exchanging a couple of punts with the Longhorns, Trent Richardson introduced himself to the Texas defense, scoring on a 49-yard touchdown scamper down the middle of the field.

After a field goal by Alabama, Marcel Dareus intercepted Texas backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert and hit a spin move that shocked the nation, rumbling into the endzone to give Alabama a staggering 23-6 lead.

In the second half, Texas clawed its way back into the game before a costly fumble gave the ball back to  Alabama, who responded with the running attack that gashed the Longhorns all night.

Mark Ingram dives into the endzone for his second rushing touchdown that turned into the game-winner for Alabama in the BCS National Championship.

The Crimson Tide added one more touchdown for good measure, with Trent Richardson earning his second rushing touchdown of the game.

The Crimson Tide claimed its first national championship since 1992, and the first of six during the Nick Saban era in a dominant victory over the Texas Longhorns.

Re-live that incredible night in Pasadena, California in a newly-created photo gallery from that night!

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.