National Football Foundation

The Crimson Tide won the national championship with a dominant defense, leading the country in total defense, rushing defense, passing defense, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense, as well as first downs defense, third down defense and red zone defense. In all, Alabama led the country in eight of 14 total defensive categories. Alabama posted three shutouts and held eight opponents under 10 points, including five straight from Oct. 8 to Nov. 12. 

Coupled with the Crimson Tide's 2009 national championship, yesterday's title victory marks the second for Alabama during the BCS era, which began in 1998, and the third for Coach Nick Saban who led the LSU Tigers to the BCS crown in 2003. Saban is the only coach in the AP Poll era, which began in 1936, to win national titles with two different schools, and he is the first coach to win three titles during the BCS era. In addition to the 2011 and 2009 championships, Alabama claimed the MacArthur Bowl in 1961, 1978, 1979 under Hall of Fame Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and in 1992 under Hall of Fame Coach Gene Stallings. The national title represents sixth straight for the Southeastern Conference. 

With the win, Alabama becomes the first school to win six MacArthur Bowls, breaking a tie with Notre Dame. Saban becomes just the fifth coach to win three or more MacArthur Bowls, joining College Football Hall of Fame coaches Paul "Bear" Bryant, John McKay, Ara Parseghian and Darrell Royal.