National signing day came and went with several major storylines including prized recruit Dorial Green-Beckham choosing to stay close to home, signing with Missouri.

• Final 2011 rankings: AP | Coaches'  More: 2011 Football Awards | Bowl Results | History

With many of the best college players in the nation taking part in the Senior Bowl, it was Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead who turned heads as a punt returner. The North beat the South 23-13 in the annual game.

• More: NCAA attendance hits new high | 2011 FBS Award Winners | Bowl Results

Joe Paterno, longtime Penn State head football coach and the DI record-holder for victories, died Sunday after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days. He was 85.

• Remembering Joe Paterno Paterno through the years | Paterno era stretches across generations

From the pregame excitement outside the Superdome to Alabama's celebration, take a unique look back at all the excitement from the BCS National Championship Game through time-lapse photography.

•   Reaction  Feinswog: Defense slays Tigers Trickie: Unexpected air attack  Photos  Shop: Alabama Gear