Alabama senior wide receiver and 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith capped off a brilliant season with a record-setting performance to help Alabama defeat Ohio State, 52-24, in the National Championship game Monday night.
And he did it just one half.
Smith was named the game’s Offensive Player of the Game after posting a title-game record 12 catches to go with 215 yards and 3 TDs while helping the Crimson Tide to a 35-17 first-half lead.
He suffered a dislocated finger early in the second half, forcing him from the game, but between fellow 2020 Heisman finalist Mac Jones, fifth-place vote-getter Najee Harris and others, Alabama did not need Smith to force a return.
Instead, Smith returned from the locker room in the fourth quarter with his finger wrapped and a Heisman Trophy mask covering his mouth, soon celebrating the title with his teammates.
Smith became the first wide receiver to win a Heisman and a national title in the same season and the seventh player to win both while leading his team to an undefeated season. He’s also the 17th player to win a Heisman and a national crown.
Combining the SEC title game, the CFP semifinal and tonight’s national championship, Smith totaled for 34 receptions, 529 yards (176.33 per game) and 8 TDs.