Sweet Home Alabama

State of champions

Alabama, which is in the 'Heart of Dixie,' appears to be the place for college football.

The state of Alabama has won the last three national championship games. The University of Alabama avenged its one loss in the 2011 regular season by defeating Louisiana State University in the national championship game played at the New Orleans Superdome on Jan. 9, 2012.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban hoisted BCS trophy for the second time in three years.

In 2009, the Crimson Tide with coach Saban at the helm mowed through Southeastern Conference with an undefeated 13-0 record.

In '09, the Tide were led by sophomore running back Mark Ingram Jr. who rushed for 1,658 yards, setting the Tide's single-season rushing record. The accomplishment earned him the Heisman Trophy.

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosted the 12th annual Bowl Championship Series game between undefeated Alabama and the undefeated Texas Longhorns (12-0) on Jan. 7, 2010.

Video of television while tuned to ABC sports.

Ingram was drafted by the New Orleans Saints.

In 2010, the 'Cotton State' had another team running the table, the University of Auburn, leading the way was 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

2010 Heisman winner

The Auburn quarterback dazzled the state of Alabama, as well as the rest of the nation, with his exceptional play and that's why he collected the trophy awarded to the most outstanding college football player of the year.

He led the Tigers against the Oregon Ducks in the National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz. on Jan. 10.

Newton was the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL draft, drafted by the Carolina Panthers.

The quarterback was a popular guy after the Southeastern Conference championship game.