Jeff Hart

With Alabama's hopes of a second straight national title slipping away, A.J. McCarron shook off a dismal second half and guided the Crimson Tide right down the field.

Orwin Smith ran for 89 yards and a touchdown, and Georgia Tech stymied a Maryland offense led by linebacker-turned-quarterback Shawn Petty in a 33-13 rout Saturday.

Jamal Jackson threw for 383 yards as Appalachian State beat Georgia Southern 31-28 Saturday.

Nico Flores found Xavier Boyce for a 35-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, capping an 80-yard drive, and Norfolk State held on to defeat Savannah State 33-21 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Saturday.

Monroe Area

Jefferson clinched its first Region 8-AA title since 2009 Friday with a 35-7 win over Riverside Military Academy at Memorial Stadium.

Mill Creek clinched its first playoff berth since 2010 with a 49-0 win over Habersham Central Friday in Region 7-AAAAAA action.

Jackson County clinched its first-ever state playoff berth after knocking off Elbert County 33-28 Friday night at home.

Greene County scored 27 first half points and then held on for a 27-14 win over Rabun County Friday night in a key Region 8-AA game.

Buford tuned up for its season-ending showdown with North Hall with a 49-6 win over East Hall Friday night in Region 7-AAA action at East Hall Stadium.