Alabama Crimson Tide Upsets Georgia Bulldogs to Win 33rd Conference Championship
The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the 30th SEC Championship Game as an underdog for the first time in six years. Its safe to say the Tide responded well to the underdog role as No. 3 Alabama rolled to a 41-24 over the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.
Alabama fell behind 10-0 early but responded with 17 unanswered points to get themselves into the ballgame. The Tide was helped by big passing touchdowns to Jameson Williams and John Metchie to dig Alabama out of its initial hole.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young capped off a historic first half effort with an 11-yard touchdown run to take a 24-17 lead into the locker room after the first half. Young broke an SEC Championship Game record for passing yards in a half and in a game, a mark previously held by Auburn's Cam Newton and Alabama's Mac Jones.
Young finished the SEC Championship Game 26-of-44 for 421 yards and three touchdowns along with taking three carries for 40 yards and another touchdown. He leaves the Heisman Trophy voters with an exquisite performance to think about as the votes are due.
The much maligned Alabama offensive line had one of its strongest performances of the year considering the quality of competition it faced in the championship game. The Tide did not allow a quarterback sack on the day and Young was officially hurried just eight times on the afternoon. Alabama's rushing game even managed 116 yards on the ground despite Georgia entering the game with the fourth best rushing defense in the country.
Alabama's defense played with its hair on fire all game long, pressuring Georgia's Stetson Bennett and making life difficult on on the Dawgs. Georgia was held to just 3-of-12 on 3rd down conversions in the game.
The Tide was led by junior DeMarcco Hellams defensively, he accounted for nine tackles, one pass breakup and one interception.
Jordan Battle also made his mark on the ballgame with six tackles, a quarterback hurry and dagger of a pick-six in the second half.
The Crimson Tide now secures its place in the College Football Playoff with the upset victory over Georgia. Alabama's next game will be in the College Football Playoff Semifinals in either the Orange Bowl or the Cotton Bowl.
The selection committee will announce its choices for the College Football Playoff on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. CT.