The 2010 BCS Championship Game was, in its own way, highly compelling. While Alabama won, and won convincingly, Texas' valiant struggle kept the game closer and more competitive than anyone would have thought. Though the score was, somewhat ironically, rather close to what I predicted it would be almost a month ago, the game unfolded in a fashion no one could have ever predicted.

Texas came into this game with a chagrin that seemed to drive them from the first snap. They were an undefeated 13-0 squad; easily the most consistent performer in college football over the past four years. They had never lost to the Crimson Tide in a major game and, for all the media gushing over Nick Saban, Texas fans have always felt that Mack Brown was the best in the game. Yet, despite all that, they were double digit underdogs. They were a team without recognition, a team craving respect, and those squads are always the most dangerous.

It was, then, as predictable as it was shocking to see Texas ahead 6-0 in the first quarter, driving down the field, dominating an Alabama defense in the same shocking fashion that Utah manhandled the Crimson Tide almost a year ago. Yet, as quickly as the championship was shaping up to be an upset, perhaps even a rout, it all unraveled as Texas QB Colt McCoy crumpled to the ground and grabbing his shoulder. As he went to the locker room and shell-shocked redshirt freshman Garrett Gilbert ran onto the field, one could sense a sea change in the air.

Alabama fans celebrating at the Rose Bowl after the Crimson Tide's 2010 BCS Championship Victory. Thanks to twillb at flickr.com for the picture.

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And a sea change it was. Texas went from 6-0 to start to a 24-6 deficit at the half. The inexperienced Gilbert crumpled against an Alabama defense that denied him the short pass and intercepted him down-field. As Colt McCoy sat in the locker room in disbelief at his inability to throw a 7 yard pass to his father, Texas' hopes crumpled. It was as sad as it was predictable.

Yet, just as I and everyone else was about to shut off the TV, tired of watching the young Texas QB get thrown to the ground against a merciless Tide defense, the Longhorns almost made a historic comeback. Despite his three interceptions, Gilbert, to his credit, continued to get up and finally completed some passes. Two touchdowns later, Texas was within three, at 24-21 and Alabama was reeling. Even after the comeback faded and the Crimson Tide shut Texas' door in a 37-21 final to win the title game, I was still feeling the show of heart from both sides. For Texas to hold close after losing McCoy and watching its hopes of victory dissipate and then for a reeling Tide team to pull it together and prevent such a powerful late rally were both great to watch and made this championship game easily the most compelling in this decade.

The game had historical impact on the legacy of Alabama football and cemented the Crimson Tide's case as the best all-time college football program.

Nick Saban became the first coach to win BCS Championships with two different teams (LSU in 2003 was first).

And, of course, with Bama's win, SEC football racked up it's 4th straight BCS Championship; furthering its claim to be the title of top college football bowl conference and top college football championship conference.

Looking forward to next season, its hard to say what the future holds in store for each of these teams. Alabama returns many of its key players, including McElroy and Ingram, and should remain a top contender though the Tide will feel several losses on their defense including Butkus Award-winning LB Rolando McClain. As for Texas, history suggests they will remain consistent though, despite Gilbert's heartwarming effort, they are sure to feel the loss of Colt McCoy who, was, after all, the winningest QB in college football history. Ultimately, we'll have to see next season.

It's not too soon to get your 2010 college football tickets; apparel and merchandise.

Thanks to Paul Grossinger for his significant contributions to this summary of the 2010 BCS Championship Game.

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