Following Alabama's 52-24 victory against previously undefeated Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national title game, the Crimson Tide become the only team with a perfect record. Alabama became the 62nd national champion in history to be undefeated all season. The last team to do so was Nebraska in 2002. Alabama began the year with an opening-night win over Florida Atlantic in Disney World. In its next game, Alabama defeated Louisville by one point in Tuscaloosa to clinch at least a share of the SEC West title. The Crimson Tide then dominated Wisconsin in the Allstate Sugar Bowl for their third consecutive New Year's Six appearance. With the victory, Alabama finished the season 12-1. After losing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the season due to injury, Alabama opened its title game matchup against Ohio State with an overtime victory. Following the game, it was announced that Tagovailoa would need surgery on his right hip and would miss the rest of the season. With Tagovailoa out, junior Jalen Hurts will take over as the starter for Alabama. During the regular season, Hurts completed 68 percent of his passes while throwing seven touchdowns against two interceptions. He also ran for six scores. In the CFP championship game, Alabama faced off against Notre Dame.