Alabama victory in BSC championship

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA // Alabama claimed a first US college football title since 1992 when they defeated Texas 37-21 in the BCS championship game at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. Alabama wore down the Longhorns with a punishing running game led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram to take a 24-6 halftime lead over Texas, which lost All-American quarterback Colt McCoy on the team's first possession with a shoulder injury. The Crimson Tide played conservatively in the second half, the Texas defence stiffened and freshman quarterback Gary Gilbert began connecting with receiver Jordan Shipley as the Big 12 champions drew within 24-21 with just over six minutes left in the game. With three minutes remaining, Eryk Anders blitzed from the blindside and forced Gilbert to fumble deep in Texas territory and Alabama recovered at the three. Ingram bulled his way into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game to give Alabama some breathing space at 31-21. Alabama, who entered the game with an identical 13-0 record to Texas, capped a fine performance with another touchdown after picking off a Gilbert pass. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban became the first coach to win the BCS championship with two different teams, having won the crown with Louisiana State University six years ago. * Reuters