Saved By The QB

The Alabama victory over Georgia in overtime for the National Championship was an epic game. Freshman QB Tua Tagovailoa started the second half and lead his team to a 26-23 win with a 41 yard TD pass on the last play of the game.

He became a national story, but probably saved the future reputation of kicker Andy Pappanastos who missed a 36 yard field goal in regulation which would have won the game for Alabama.

Pappanastos missed one from 40 yards earlier, but succeeded from 43. His potentially winning kick was very wide to the left. If Georgia had gone on to win the game, he would have been vilified by Alabama fans for the rest of his life.

Did the pressure of the kick get to him? Tagovailoa could have shared the blame for the defeat if their drive didn't at least end in a field goal to tie Georgia in the first overtime period.

It's not always fair what happens in victory and defeat. Pappanastos dodged the bullet of his life Monday night.