ATLANTA — Jalen Milroe threw for two touchdown passes and the Alabama defense kept Georgia's offense in check, as the 8th-ranked Crimson Tide erased the top-ranked Bulldogs' hopes of a three-peat in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Saturday.
With No. 3 Washington winning the PAC 12 championship on Friday, coupled with wins by No. 7 Texas, No.2 Michigan and No.4 Florida State in their conference championships, the Bulldogs might fins themselves out of the playoffs less than 24 hours before the selection committee releases the match ups.
The Bulldogs (12-1) had their 29-game winning streak snapped — which tied for the third-longest in FBS history since 1973. But the only streak that would remain intact on Saturday, was Nick Saban's 3-0 record against Kirby Smart.
Georgia looked as if they were going to coast their way to another conference title, taking the opening kickoff and marching 83-yards in eight plays. Kendall Milton put the finishing touches on the drive with a 17-yard run to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
But after that, the Crimson Tide defense would assert itself, stopping Georgia's next five possessions. Alabama also held Bulldogs ground attack in check all game, limiting them to just 78 yards — their lowest total since 2020.
Behind Milroe's two passing scores to Jam Miller and Jermaine Burton, the Alabama offense also did its part and scored on their final three possessions of the first half, to take a 17-7 lead at halftime.
Milroe went 13 of 23 for 192 yards and 29 more with his legs. His top passing target, Isaiah Bond, led both teams with five receptions for 79 yards.
Roydell Williams' punched in from one-yard out with 5:47 remaining to boost Alabama's lead to 27-17.
The Bulldogs tried to make a late rally, as Kendall Milton scored on a one-yard run to make it a three-point deficit with 2:52 remaining.
But Georgia would never see the ball again, as they would kick off to Alabama and hope for a stop. The Crimson Tide would run the clock out to preserve the win and begin the playoff chaos.
Georgia 7 0 3 14 = 24
Alabama 3 14 3 7 = 27
First Quarter UGA—Kendall Milton 17 run (Peyton Woodring kick), 9:31. ALA—Will Reichard 43 field goal, 3:43 Second Quarter ALA—Jam Miller 28 pass from Jalen Milroe (Will Reichard kick), 12:04. ALA—Jermaine Burton 15 pass from Jalen Milroe (Will Reichard kick), 0:48. Third Quarter UGA—Peyton Woodring 34 field goal, 8:51. ALA—Will Reichard 28 field goal, 0:48. Fourth Quarter UGA—Carson Beck 1 run (Peyton Woodring kick), 10:16. ALA—Roydell Williams 1 run (Will Reichard kick) 5:47. UGA—Kendall Milton 1 run (Peyton Woodring kick), 2:52.
Comments