Kalen DeBoer gets his first victory over Kirby Smart.
The Crimson Tide earned a 41-34 victory to improve to 4-0 on the season.
Initial reaction
-Kalen DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, and Kane Wommack had a victorious performance over Kirby Smart and his league of defensive generals that have been together for nine years at Georgia. It almost ended in a tragic loss for the Tide, but Alabama pulled out a win.
Takeaways
-Nick Sheridan was good in his play calling, but needs to be consistent
Sheridan took Georgia out of its rhythm offensively by having Alabama jump out to an early 28-0 lead.
He had the Bulldogs defense out of whack with how he created matchups for players. Sheridan’s play calling got everyone involved, including the tight end position. He was in his bag on Saturday and Kirby Smart could not stop him in the first half.
Sheridan has to be better in the second half with his calls.
He got way too conservative and it allowed Georgia to get back into the game.
-Jalen Milroe showed off for NFL scouts
Several NFL teams were at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama versus Georgia.
They probably thought they would see a strong passing game from Carson Beck, but what they got was Jalen Milroe perfecting his craft. Milroe had the deep ball, short to intermediate passing game, running game, and command of the offense going.
Milroe completed 27 of 33 passes for 374 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
He also had 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Milroe’s lone interception was not his fault as CJ Dippre could not complete the reception and the ball popped in the air for a Georgia defender to get a takeaway.
-Ryan Williams is unbelievable
Not even Georgia’s defense could stop the talented 17-year-old from dominating.
Ryan Williams continues the success of freshman wide receivers having amazing outings versus the Bulldogs.
He totaled 177 yards receiving on six catches, including a 75-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Alabama a 39-34 lead.
Williams also had an insane 54-yard juggling catch.
-Alabama’s defense has to play a complete game
Alabama held a 28-0 lead, but the defense allowed the Bulldogs to come back.
Georgia took a 34-33 lead in the fourth quarter before Milroe found Ryan Williams for a touchdown. Wommack dialed up pressure on Beck in the first half, but the Tide did not do it consistently in the second half. It forced four turnovers, but Alabama cannot afford to take its foot off the gas. Wommack and the Tide must improve in that area moving forward.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
