Alabama and Texas met on January 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the BCS National Championship, the final game of the 2009 college football season. The top-ranked Crimson Tide entered undefeated at 13-0, while second-ranked Texas brought a 13-0 record of its own. The matchup paired two historic programs and determined the national champion in the Bowl Championship Series era.
Texas opened with two field goals for a 6-0 lead, but Alabama responded with Mark Ingram’s short touchdown run and a 49-yard scoring run by freshman Trent Richardson. Defensive end Marcell Dareus added a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown, helping the Tide take a 24-6 halftime lead. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy had left the game early with an injury, and freshman Garrett Gilbert took over. The Longhorns rallied to make it 24-21 in the second half, bringing the title game back into doubt.
Alabama’s defense then forced a fumble near its goal line. Ingram scored on the ensuing possession, and Richardson added another touchdown late. The final was 37-21. Ingram, the Heisman Trophy winner, rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns and was named the game’s offensive MVP. Dareus earned defensive MVP honors. The win completed Alabama’s undefeated season and gave the university its 13th claimed national championship.
The victory also marked Nick Saban’s second BCS national title and his first at Alabama, beginning a run that would make the Crimson Tide the central power of the playoff and late BCS years. The game is remembered for Alabama’s balanced offense and defensive plays, but also for Texas’ resilience after losing its starting quarterback. It remains a major chapter in the rivalry between two programs with national ambitions and broad followings.