The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide proved their superiority in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday, crushing Notre Dame 31-14 thanks in large part to a three-touchdown performance from Heisman Trophy finalist DeVonta Smith.
It’s already apparent Smith is the best receiver in the collegiate game, and he was named AP Player of the Year. Now it’s a matter of whether he’ll win NCAA gridiron’s most prestigious individual award after his latest masterpiece, wherein he logged seven catches for 130 yards and, as mentioned, took three trips to the end zone.
Instead of dwelling on the negatives on New Year’s Day — re: “Some things change, but Notre Dame getting blown out in a big game remains an inevitability” — let’s focus on the positive of Smith’s Rose Bowl greatness at the dawn of 2021.
Yes, some credit should go to Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones for making some of these throws. On the other hand, how hard is it when a devastating route-runner like Smith is creating impressive separation on a consistent basis. Oh, and it helps that the wideout has impeccable footwork on the edges of the field, is a strong hands-catcher and has ball skills for days.
Whether he was high-pointing the ball over the middle, taking a swing pass to the house for six, or showing off some ornamental toe-drag swag en route to his final touchdown, Smith’s full arsenal of skills were on full display against the Fighting Irish’s toothless secondary. His three scores got him to 20 receiving TDs for the season, per ESPN Stats & Info, which is incredible to say the least.
Despite being listed at only 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, the Alabama senior doesn’t let any lack of size or his slender frame hinder his ability to be an historically productive college player. Not only should he win the Heisman Trophy, but he’ll also likely be an early first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Now, let’s get to the social media goodness, as Twitter was straight-up freaking out about Smith’s epic showcase on the big postseason stage.
“DeVonta Smith doesn’t deserve Heisman”
— Alabama Diehards (@AlabamaDieHards) January 1, 2021
Me: pic.twitter.com/L1JUmjkdoS
Does Devonta Smith have a single weakness other than possibly wearing the same pants size as me? Dude looks unstoppable
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 1, 2021
SLIM REAPER!! HEISMAN!! @DeVontaSmith_6 pic.twitter.com/2Yd4jf5FDh
— Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) January 1, 2021
I love Trevor Lawrence as a player and would've had a tough time voting against him this year, if I had a vote. But if DeVonta Smith doesn't win it, you may as well just call it the QB of the Year award.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 1, 2021
I’m ready for the Dolphins to take Devonta Smith at #3. I don’t care how much he weighs.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 1, 2021
DeVonta Smith explaining all the different ways he can score pic.twitter.com/iFAaXHgDtm
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2021
You'll rarely see a wide receiver dominate a game the way DeVonta Smith is this semifinal. Effortlessly great hands, hang time on high throws, lethal acceleration after catch. Blocks, covers kickoffs, returns punts. Obviously THE team leader, tone-setter. Deserves Heisman.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 1, 2021
Devonta Smith ran straight and Notre Dame’s defense didn’t know how to handle it pic.twitter.com/z78DNp5Hjj
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 1, 2021
Devonta Smith got 2 feet in just for fun. Beating Notre Dame without the NFL rules was too easy for him. pic.twitter.com/IYHHT8TFHY
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 1, 2021
Devonta was high-4.4 range for NFL scouts at pro-day spring of his sophomore year. If a GM lets Smith’s 40 time influence where the team has him stacked on the board he should lose his job. https://t.co/YAkb3reGaA
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 1, 2021
.@AlabamaFTBL WR DeVonta Smith has tied the record for receiving TDs in a #RoseBowl Game with 3 scores. Braylon Edwards (2005) and Deontay Burnett (2017) also caught 3 touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/t2dnnRtOWm
— CFP Semifinal-Rose Bowl Game pres. by Capital One (@rosebowlgame) January 1, 2021
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