By Simon Evans

MIAMI (Reuters) - The University of Alabama won college football's national championship for the third time in four years with a crushing 42-14 victory over Notre Dame in the title game on Monday.

Notre Dame, looking for their first national title since 1988, were totally overpowered and outplayed in an utterly one-sided first half with Alabama sprinting to the tunnel with a 28-0 lead.

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron threw four touchdowns while running back Eddie Lacy and receiver Amari Cooper had two scores each.

With the victory, 'Crimson Tide' head coach Nick Saban confirmed his status as the most successful coach currently in college football with his fourth national title.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)