Like it or not, there’s still room for a little defense in college football.

In the era of sexy no-huddle spreads predicated on speed and pass-happy offenses with “system” quarterbacks, old-fashioned smashmouth schemes proved they still have a place in the Southeastern Conference during Monday’s BCS Championship Game in New Orleans.

It wasn’t pretty for viewers, but the best defense of the last decade dominated top-ranked LSU from start to finish, limiting the Tigers to 92 total yards and five first downs during the Crimson Tide’s 21-0 victory.

Alabama left little doubt in winning their second national title in three years, capping off the BCS’ first-ever shutout with Trent Richardson’s 34-yard scamper late in the game. Richardson’s score was the first touchdown scored between the two defensive juggernauts in nearly eight quarters this season.

Blah if you were watching at home on your big screen.

Hooray if you’re one of those obnoxious Houndstooth-fedora wearing Alabama fans.

Social media exploded midway through the second quarter calling for touchdowns while Crimson Tide faithful just wanted to see more success in the red zone. Outside of the southeastern corner of the country, college football fans whined for more points most of the night.

In New Orleans, third-quarter boos followed another LSU three-and-out while the Honey Badger crawled back into his hole. With 44 days of rest and preparation, what did you expect from Nick Saban and the nation’s top-ranked defense?

Like a few of us said in November, LSU’s overtime win in Tuscaloosa, Ala. wouldn’t matter if the Crimson Tide won the potential rematch. Don’t tell an Alabama fan the game was boring. Kirby Smart’s defense did exactly what it has done all season — pound their opponent into submission.

In fact, during the first 30 minutes, the Tigers didn’t even cross midfield.

The first-half stinker from LSU wasn’t all that surprising. Last month in the SEC title game at the Georgia Dome, the Tigers opened with a similar performance, struggling to move the sticks. Jordan Jefferson was rattled throughout, LSU’s offensive line was pushed back at the line of scrimmage and Alabama played nearly perfect on special teams.

When you dominate a game against the nation’s No. 1 team in all three facets, you deserve to be called national champions.

The Crimson Tide earned it, but the Associated Press may not think so when the final rankings are released later today.

Reach Staff writer Brad Crawford at 910-272-6119 or at bcrawford@heartlandpublications.com