Trump praises Bulldogs while honoring national champ Alabama
President Donald Trump praised “a great Georgia team” while honoring national champion Alabama at the White House Tuesday in Washington.
Trump hosted Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban and his players at the White House on Tuesday to honor their fifth national title in nine years, which came when Alabama edged Georgia 26-23 in overtime.
The president attended the championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Trump said Alabama backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's winning touchdown pass in overtime to fellow freshman DeVonta Smith "will go down as one of the most exciting finishes in college football history — of any sport."
Trump watched the Jan. 8 game from a private box overlooking the Alabama sideline. The president left the stadium during halftime as Georgia led Alabama 13-0.
Trump said Alabama's triumph was "one of the greatest victories ever."
Trump praised Saban's "Process" for success.
"In the national championship game, you stuck to 'The Process,' even when it was looking pretty tough," the president said. "I was watching. I said, 'Coach, not looking too good.' Down 13-to-nothing at halftime to a great Georgia team, these champions fought back as they did all season long. And they kept fighting and fighting."
Saban talked about what the White House visit meant to the team.
"You know, not many people get invited to the White House, so not many people get invited to see the President and meet the President," he said. "So this is a special day for our team. A team that is being honored here because of their achievements in terms of winning the college football national championship, which makes me very proud."
