situated on the east sideline, and Alabama wore its crimson jerseys and used the west bench at the Rose Bowl stadium. The two programs that played in this game had won a combined eleven poll-era national championships. Texas had won four, most recently in 2005, and Alabama had won seven, most recently in 1992. Texas had participated in three previous BCS Bowl games and was only one of two teams who were undefeated and had played in at least three BCS Bowls. Alabama had played in two previous BCS Bowl games, 2009 Sugar Bowl and 2000 Orange Bowl losing both. Texas was leading the all-time series with Alabama by a 7–0–1 count (2–0 in Austin, 2–0 in Dallas, 1–0 in Miami, 1–0 in New Orleans, 1–0 in Tuscaloosa, 0–0–1 in Houston). Following this appearance by Texas, the next Big 12 team to reach a national championship game was the 2022 TCU Horned Frogs, in the 2023 edition of the championship. Game summary Alabama won the coin toss and elected to receive the kickoff. The Longhorns forced a three-and-out. Alabama attempted a fake punt, but P.J. Fitzgerald was intercepted by Blake Gideon at the Alabama 36. Texas drove to the Alabama 11, but on 1st down, Colt McCoy (2008 Heisman trophy runner-up and 2009 Heisman Trophy finalist) was hit on QB option run by sophomore defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, pinching a nerve in McCoy's throwing shoulder and leaving him unable to throw the ball accurately. McCoy was replaced by true freshman Garrett Gilbert and would be ruled out for the remainder of the game. Texas reached the 1-yard line, but was held to an 18-yard field goal for an early 3–0 lead. Julio Jones muffed the following kick-off (a surprise short one), with Texas recovering at the Alabama 30. Texas was unable to get a first down, but chalked up a 42-yard field goal, giving Texas a 6–0 lead. On the other hand, Alabama started working their offense. Alabama's offensive line was able to create holes in the Texas defense. Behind Alabama's offensive line, Alabama running back Mark Ingram II (2009 Heisman trophy winner) moved almost at will against a Texas defense. The power offense resulted in Alabama taking a lead it would never relinquish on the first play of the second quarter. Mark Ingram II scampered into the end zone for a touchdown behind the block of 360-pound defensive lineman