Jalen Milroe and Ryan Williams led No. 4 Alabama to a thrilling victory over No. 2 Georgia, winning 41-34 in a dramatic Southeastern Conference clash on Saturday night. With just 2:18 remaining, Williams made an impressive catch on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Milroe, marking a significant moment in Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer’s SEC debut.
In a decisive moment, Alabama’s freshman defensive back, Zabien Brown, wearing the No. 2 jersey, intercepted a pass from Carson Beck in the end zone, sealing the hard-fought win for the Tide.
Williams, a dynamic 17-year-old, showcased his skills by turning back to snag the ball in tight coverage, quickly pivoting, and sprinting down the right sideline. Milroe then connected with Germie Bernard for a crucial two-point conversion, helping Alabama improve to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC.
This long touchdown pass came just moments after Carson Beck threw a 67-yard bomb to Dillon Bell, giving the Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1) their first lead of the game.
The matchup marked DeBoer’s first foray into the fierce rivalry of SEC powerhouses, adding another thrilling chapter even in the absence of Nick Saban on the sidelines.
This rematch of the previous season’s SEC Championship Game, which Alabama also won, evolved into an exhilarating quarterback showdown.
Milroe completed 27 of 33 passes for 374 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception that deflected off a receiver. Additionally, he rushed for 117 yards and scored two touchdowns. Williams contributed significantly with six receptions totaling 177 yards.
Beck had a busy night, completing 27 of 50 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also faced challenges, throwing three interceptions in what was his first multi-interception game, though he impressed in the second half.
The Bulldogs scored three touchdowns in the final 9:46, but Alabama secured the only touchdown it needed earlier in the game.
Milroe led Alabama to touchdowns on its first four drives against a defense that had previously been the only one in FBS not to allow a touchdown this season.
The Bulldogs found themselves in a difficult position, trailing 28-0 just minutes into the second quarter, putting their impressive streaks of 42 consecutive regular-season victories and 28 straight SEC wins at risk.
However, Beck rallied the team, showcasing resilience and determination.
The takeaway
Georgia: The Bulldogs have appeared vulnerable lately, especially given their recent 13-12 win over Kentucky. Despite this, they demonstrated their tenacity with a strong second-half performance.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide have shown no signs of decline under DeBoer, especially on offense, as they rolled past Wisconsin on the road and managed to fend off their recent SEC rival at home.
Poll implications
Alabama is expected to rise at least one position in the AP poll, while Georgia’s strong second-half performance likely means they won’t drop significantly.
Up next
Alabama: The Tide will face Vanderbilt on Saturday in their first SEC road game of the season.
Georgia: The Bulldogs will host their longtime rival Auburn, who is currently struggling, on Saturday.
