Smith's historic performance cut short by hand injury
Alabama star wide receiver DeVonta Smith left Monday's College Football Playoff title game against Ohio State with a hand injury that interrupted his historic performance.
The Heisman Trophy winner racked up 215 yards and three touchdowns on a record-breaking 12 catches before exiting. He appeared to suffer the injury during an awkward collision with a Buckeyes defender on an incomplete pass.
This is the hit where DeVonta Smith injured a finger on his right hand. pic.twitter.com/8oLj9zy25w
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) January 12, 2021
Smith headed to the locker room after Ohio State cut Alabama's lead to 38-24 midway through the third quarter and was unable to return to the game.
DeVonta Smith headed to the locker room with a towel over his right hand. pic.twitter.com/PX8mtwHT9V
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2021
Nick Saban's team prevailed without its star player, ultimately earning its sixth national title in the last 12 years with a 52-24 victory.
Smith returned to the sidelines with a cast on his hand to celebrate with his teammates.
DeVonta Smith really rocked a Heisman mask on the sidelines. #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/Zd8L4Yw1GA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2021