Saban: Williams injury had to have 'some impact' on CFP outcome

Nick Saban gave Georgia its credit Monday, but he admitted that Alabama felt wide receiver Jameson Williams' absence in the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

"This guy contributed tremendously to our team all year," the Crimson Tide coach said after the Bulldogs defeated his squad, according to WVTM13. "He has great speed, he's a vertical threat, I think our offensive coaches did a great job of utilizing his talent this year, he's been very productive. So any time you lose players like this, it has an impact on your team.

"It gives other players opportunities and I'm not disappointed in how they responded to that, but there's no question that you win with great players, you win with great people. And he's been a great person and a great player on our team all year long, so when you take him out of the lineup, it has to have some impact."

Williams had four receptions for 65 yards before going down early in the second quarter of the title game with a non-contact knee injury. The Crimson Tide labored offensively without him, scoring just one touchdown in their 33-18 loss.

Alabama will conduct further tests to determine the severity of Williams' injury. Saban was heard telling Georgia counterpart Kirby Smart during the postgame handshake that Williams could have an ACL injury.

Saban said the Ohio State transfer wanted to return in the second half, but the training staff wouldn't let him. The 20-year-old came into the contest with over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.

The Crimson Tide were also without No. 2 wide receiver John Metchie, who tore his ACL in the SEC championship game. Sophomore Traeshon Holden and freshmen Agiye Hall and Ja'Corey Brooks struggled to pick up the slack against the Bulldogs. As a result, Alabama fell to Georgia for the first time since Smart left Saban's staff to run his alma mater's program.

"If we had to lose a national championship, I'd rather lose one to one of the former assistants who did a great job for us and has done a great job with his program and his team," Saban said. "If any team deserves (it), they deserve it. They played great all year."