Alabama made a quick change at quarterback to start the second half, and after Tua Tagovailoa got his feet wet on his first series, he provided the much-needed offensive spark for Alabama on his second drive. Unfortunately for Alabama, Jake Fromm continued to thrive on third and long with a big answer.
Tagovailoa came up with a crazy run to pick up a first down that was soon followed by Alabama’s first score of the night.
There is just no way this play should have worked out the way it did. https://t.co/nsT2qyXglU
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) January 9, 2018
The pass into the end zone was to Henry Ruggs III, his third catch of the night. Suddenly, Alabama had some life.
Freshman lighting a spark for Alabama https://t.co/gTupLbnUT3
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) January 9, 2018
Feeding off the energy of Alabama’s first points of the game, the Crimson Tide were flying on Georgia’s ensuing possession and forced Georgia into a 3rd and 11. Fromm took a deep shot to a streaking Mecole Hardman, and Hardman did not disappoint on an 80-yard bomb for a touchdown to regain a 13-point advantage. The play was reviewed to make sure Hardman did not step out of bounds. Like Sony Michel’s big run in the first half, the review upheld the call on the field, and Georgia celebrated a 20-7 lead.
Jake Fromm dropping a dime on third and long for an 80-yard TD. What an answer. https://t.co/rNFgJb9f3r
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) January 9, 2018
No way they were going to overturn this one. They didn’t. Touchdown stands. https://t.co/Zf8V9x1X3Y
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) January 9, 2018
Tagovailoa was picked off on Alabama’s next possession, setting Georgia up to put a stranglehold on the Tide midway through the third quarter, but Fromm was just picked off on a tipped ball, giving the ball back to Tagovailoa and the Tide. Buckle up. Things are getting fun.