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Several thousand Alabama football fans gathered at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport to welcome home the national champion Crimson Tide.

Fans with signs and red-and-white shakers lined fences around the airport to try getting a glimpse of the team.

Vicki Richardson came in white overalls painted with 'Bama logos. She was at the airport to meet the team after its title last season, and she thinks Alabama can win again next season.

Alabama beat Notre Dame 42-14 Monday night for its third BCS title in four years.