Elliott broke through the Crimson Tide defense for an 85-yard touchdown run, the longest play allowed by Alabama all season. The third series, starting from the Alabama 45, ended with another punt. The second Crimson Tide stop, deep in Ohio State territory, gave Alabama a short field for a would-be go-ahead score, but Sims promptly threw an interception to safety Vonn Bell. Alabama's defense stiffened after the score, forcing three consecutive three-and-outs from the Buckeye offense.ĭespite excellent field position, Alabama struggled to capitalize.
The Tide responded with an 84-yard drive, highlighted by a 52-yard Derrick Henry screen pass and capped by a Sims touchdown run that narrowed the OSU lead to six points at the end of the third quarter. Suddenly, Ohio State was riding a wave and Alabama looked vulnerable. A third down slant pattern was intercepted by defensive end Steve Miller, who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Thomas's spectacular catch on the trick play sent the Buckeyes to the locker room down one point and brimming with confidence, and a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the second half gave OSU its first lead since 3-0.Īfter an exchange of punts, Sims made his first mistake. Ohio State had no trouble moving the ball against Alabama's defense, though, and an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown dive was followed by a touchdown pass from receiver Evan Spencer to fellow wideout Michael Thomas. A pair of first-half turnovers set up Alabama scores, and the Tide led, 21-6, early in the second quarter. Ohio State failed to capitalize on two first-quarter drives deep into Alabama territory, settling for field goals while Alabama was scoring touchdowns. The Sugar Bowl was a game decided by momentum, with the pendulum swinging between the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide throughout. Ohio State piled up 537 yards of total offense against the stout Crimson Tide defense and forced two turnovers from quarterback Blake Sims. A run of 28 unanswered points in the second and third quarters gave the Buckeyes a lead that they never relinquished. The Ohio State Buckeyes, a double-digit underdog in Thursday's Sugar Bowl, shocked the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff Championship Game with a 42-35 victory.
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