TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - 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.