WATCH: Alabama safety Jordan Battle extends the lead with pick-6
The Alabama Crimson Tide might have just put the proverbial nail in the Georgia Bulldogs coffin. Heading into this game, it appeared that the Crimson Tide had more questions than answers on defense after struggling throughout the season. But on Saturday, the Alabama defense possibly stole the show with this pick-six.
On a first-and-10 from their own 31, the Bulldogs set up in a five wideout formation. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett actually had time on this play to see the field, after Alabama only rushed four. But what he did not see was Crimson Tide safety Jordan Battle stay down in the zone instead of dropping deep. That allowed him to play Bennett’s pass perfectly, stepping in front of the receiver for the interception. And thanks to the convoy of Alabama defenders, Battle easily made it to the end zone for the score.
Alabama’s offense was rolling early
The Alabama Crimson Tide came ready to fight in the SEC championship game against Georgia. In a matchup between the nation’s most dominant defense this year in Georgia and the high-octane offense led by quarterback Bryce Young, it has been the Crimson Tide offense stealing the show. Alabama went into the half leading 24-17 and looked every bit of the part of a team that could compete for a national championship.
That seven-point lead was thanks in part to their trademark offensive explosion through the air. The Georgia defense looked lost at times against the Crimson Tide pass attack; which led to some pretty impressive numbers put up by the Alabama offense.
Alabama beat reporter Mike Rodak went digging and found some statistics to put in perspective just how impressive the Crimson Tide’s first-half numbers are.
“Alabama gained 365 yards in the first half, the second-most for a full game against Georgia this season. Tennessee had 387. Alabama’s 24 points are the most Georgia has allowed since Nov. 21, 2020, against Mississippi State (24),” wrote Rodak via Twitter.