GLENDALE, Ariz. – Carson-Newman football has a connection to FBS national champion Alabama.  The Crimson Tide downed Clemson 45-40 Monday night to win their fourth title in seven years with a little help from a former Eagle.

C-N is represented on Nick Saban's staff by Doug Belk, a defensive graduate assistant. 

Belk wrapped up his playing days at Mossy Creek in 2010, as the program's quarterback.  That year, he was second on the team in rushing with 877 yards and nine touchdowns.  He completed passes for 721 yards and four scores.    

The previous year he starred as a receiver, roping in 18 catches for 280 yards while starting all 14 games in the Eagles' run to the national semifinals.  His top outing came against Campbellsville when he hauled in four passes for a career-high 82 yards and tied the school record for touchdown receptions in a game with three in a 38-10 win.

This is Belk's second national championship.  He was the secondary coach for Valdosta State when the Blazers won the Division II crown in 2012 (with a win in the quarterfinals over the Eagles).