It's been a few days since Saturday night's thrilling game between Alabama and Georgia, with the Crimson Tide coming away with a dramatic victory by a final score of 41-34. This game is already approaching legendary status, with the iconic Paul Finebaum calling it so One of the best SEC games he's ever seen..
In Monday's episode, tony kornheiser show ryan mcgi ESPN Called in to speak to the hosts regarding that contest, he concluded his recap with this to say about the epic tilt between the two teams we all hope to play again this year on Saturday night: I did.
“A 17-year-old touched this country.”
That 17 year old? None other than Ryan Williams, in McGee's words, quickly became one of the most exciting players in college football. Williams entered Saturday night's contest with 10 receptions, 285 yards and four touchdowns, already pacing the Crimson Tide's passing game.
But what he did Saturday night will be remembered around Tuscaloosa for decades, if not more.
On the biggest college football stage so far this season, and arguably the biggest stage of Williams' young career, the University of Alabama freshman finished with six catches for 177 yards and a touchdown, and Crimson Tide fans watched as grandson It will be passed down from generation to generation.
But before that moment, Williams had other great plays. The first was a 21-yard reception midway through the second quarter, where the freshman receiver showed off impressive change-of-direction skills with a curl route catch and subsequent cut. The defender held onto the air.
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In the third quarter, with Alabama holding a 30-15 lead and the Bulldogs getting back into the game, Williams had this highlight moment, spinning, 54 yard gain on chip drill receive:
Alabama ended the drive with a field goal and took a 33-15 lead.
As you probably know, that lead evaporated during the fourth quarter. Georgia QB Carson Beck threw two touchdown passes in the final frame, the second of which gave the Bulldogs a 34-33 lead with just over two minutes left. The Saban Field crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium (we're still getting used to the name) was stunned into silence, and at one point it looked like Alabama's 30-7 lead was on the verge of being blown away.
Their offense needed one play to regain the lead, and it happened thanks to Williams. His 75-yard touchdown reception from Jalen Milroe included a tough adjustment to the throw, another incredible change-of-direction move to shake up the defender, and sprint to the end zone:
Here's a look at the play from a different angle.which showcases Williams' spin away from a pair of Georgia defenders.
And to maximize its effect, here's the angle of the play on TV. ESPN Chris Fowler:
Williams currently has 16 catches for 462 yards and five touchdowns, all of which lead the Crimson Tide. He is on pace to surpass 1,000 yards receiving as a true freshman, something that hasn't happened at Alabama since 2012, when Amari Cooper accomplished that feat.
But just four games into his freshman season, Williams has already accomplished something.
One of the best college football games you've ever seen, the moment that electrified the nation and saved the Crimson Tide.
