Bama starts with bang at BCS championship game

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) - One of the most anticipated BCS championship games began with Alabama getting the ball and driving it down the field for a touchdown against No. 1 Notre Dame's vaunted defense.

Sun Life Stadium was packed and raucous for the kickoff Monday night.

The Fighting Irish won the coin toss, decided to kickoff and the Crimson Tide marched down the field with ease, driving 82 yards on five plays to take a 7-0 lead on Eddie Lacy's 20-yard touchdown run up the middle with 12:03 left in the first quarter.

It was only the third rushing touchdown Notre Dame has allowed this season.