Kalen DeBoer breaks down LT Overton fourth-down stop vs. Georgia

Sometimes a team only needs one play to change a game. That was the case for Alabama in its 24-21 win over Georgia on Saturday. With just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Georgia opted to go for a fourth-and-1 on Alabama’s 8-yard line, instead of taking an easy field goal to tie the game.

The gutsy move backfired when Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton pushed into Georgia’s backfield and tackled running back Kash Jones for a loss. Neither team scored again, and Alabama escaped with a victory.

Though 13 minutes of action ensued after Overton’s tackle for loss, it could’ve very well been the game-winning play. After the game, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer discussed the key defensive play.

“They do a great job in the run game. You knew that they were gonna try to really hold the line of scrimmage, both defensively and then control it offensively,” DeBoer said of Georgia. “They did a nice job, but you play every play as its own play. You play every game as its own game. There’s nothing that carries over.

“There’s nothing that carries over into that situation. So, just do your job, be fundamental, play with great energy, and make things happen. We didn’t sit back on our heels and just hope that they didn’t execute. We went out there and attacked it and made a play.”

While Georgia didn’t find much success in the pass game, it had a strong presence in the run game all evening. The Bulldogs totaled 227 rushing yards against the Crimson Tide. Alas, when they needed one yard the most, they couldn’t find it.

It’s far from the first time LT Overton has made a pivotal play for Alabama. The senior DL passed on the NFL Draft this past offseason to return for his fourth and final year of eligibility.

Overton has 12 tackles this season and 1.5 sacks. Ahead of the season, Overton was selected to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List, an honor presented annually to the top defensive player in college football. Now, with Overton’s help, Alabama will look to build on its momentum.

“It’s another step in the right direction for our team,” DeBoer said. “I know that they’re already talking, they’re not done with their improvement. They’ve really been focusing on that. They’ve been focusing on us, that’s, I think, the key is not getting caught up in anything else other than what we control. And I’m super proud of them for that.”