Georgia vs. Alabama score, takeaways: Crimson Tide's stellar freshmen thwart Bulldogs' historic comeback bid

Ryan Williams and Zabien Brown came up with two of Alabama's biggest plays after Georgia erased a 28-point deficit

No. 4 Alabama secured a cornerstone win for first-year coach Kalen DeBoer by relying on first-year players when the stakes were highest. The Crimson Tide needed big plays late from freshmen wide receiver Ryan Williams and cornerback Zabien Young (both No. 2) to save the team from a blown 28-point lead over No. 2 Georgia in a 41-34 instant classic. 

The Bulldogs found themselves in a 28-0 hole before the first 20 minutes of game time, but they erased the deficit entirely and even took a 34-33 lead with under three minutes to play. But one play after the Bulldogs took their first lead of the game, Williams added another moment to his notable young career with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Milroe. Williams, just 17 years old, controlled his body near the sideline and spun around two Georgia defenders to score. 

On their next possession, the Bulldogs worked the ball to Alabama's 20-yard line with a chance to tie the game. On first-and-10, Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck's pass was intercepted by Brown, who was working in one-on-one coverage against veteran wide receiver Colbie Young. 

Alabama is now 9-1 in its last 10 games against Georgia, whose 28-game conference winning streak, the longest in SEC history, comes to an end. 

CBS Sports was here with highlights, updates and analysis from Alabama-Georgia. Be sure to read on below for takeaways from the game. 

[Sep 29, 2024 at 12:00 am ET · Will Backus]

Beck bounces back 

One big reason for optimism for Georgia after the loss is quarterback Carson Beck's ability to bounce back. He had a rough game against Kentucky a couple of weeks ago and looked even worse in the first half against the Crimson Tide, with two bad interceptions and an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone that resulted in two free points for Alabama. 

But Georgia isn't in that game without Beck's second-half resurgence. He was particularly impressive on fourth down, completing all three of his passes for 27 yards on conversion attempts. 

He'd likely want that game-ending interception back, since it came on first-and-10 with plenty of time left on the clock. Beck was cerebral for a majority of the second half, though, and should be able to carry that momentum as Georgia navigates a difficult schedule. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:53 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia walking a tightrope 

Georgia will have plenty of opportunities to bounce back after Saturday's loss, and the Bulldogs should are still a favorite to make the College Football Playoff -- if not go all the way -- but their path is a lot more difficult now. Upcoming home games against Auburn and Mississippi State afford them a chance to reset some and iron any issues out, but the difficulty seriously ratchets up over the final six games. 

From Oct. 19 to Nov. 16, Georgia has to play at No. 1 Texas, at No. 6 Ole Miss and gets No. 5 Tennessee at home. The Longhorns and the Vols could be top-5 teams by the time those games roll around. Though the Rebels suffered a huge setback with a home loss to unranked Kentucky in Week 5, they were viewed as a playoff team in the offseason and still have plenty of motivation to keep those hopes alive. 

Georgia could probably afford one more loss. That might eliminate it from the SEC Championship Game, but keeping a team like the Bulldogs out of the playoff field when their two (hypothetical) losses could come against top-5 teams is hard to fathom. 

Any mistakes beyond that could doom postseason hopes entirely, though. The pressure is certainly on, more than it has been in recent memory. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:46 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama's defense is going to be fine 

Georgia's second-half surge may suggest otherwise, but Alabama's defense had a really solid game. The Crimson Tide matched up well physically, particularly in a first half where the defensive front was a consistent presence in Georgia's backfield. 

Alabama did a good job of making quarterback Carson Beck uncomfortable over the first 30 minutes with some exotic looks on defense, and the players were disciplined enough to be in the right place to make plays throughout the night. Even though the Crimson Tide defense was on the field for more than 16 minutes in the second half, it made plays when it mattered. 

Freshman cornerback Zabien Brown was nails on the final drive. He broke up one pass intended for Colbie Young in the end zone, and then jumped all over an identical play to intercept Carson Beck and seal the win for Alabama. 

The Tide's secondary is filled with ballhawks. Former USC transfer Domani Jackson had an interception of his own earlier in the game. Sure, there were some breakdowns, but it was an encouraging game for Kane Wommack's squad against one of college football's powerhouses. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:40 pm ET · Will Backus]

Milroe makes Heisman statement 

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe may have shut the Heisman Trophy conversation down Saturday evening. Sure, there's still plenty of time left, but it's going to be hard for anyone to match his performance the rest of the way. 

Milroe had 305 total yards of offense at halftime. He rushed for a game-high 117 yards and two touchdowns -- individually matching Georgia's team total -- while keying Alabama's 28-point surge to start the game. 

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Milroe's performance was his consistent poise as a passer. He did throw one interception, but it wasn't really his fault as the ball caromed off of a receiver's hands. Otherwise, Milroe was locked in against a very good defense. 

He completed 27 of his 33 pass attempts for 374 yards and two more touchdowns. That 75-yard completion to Ryan Williams late in the fourth quarter is a genuine Heisman moment, even if Williams did a lot of the work with his after-the-catch skills, and putting up almost 500 yards of total offense yourself against a team like Georgia is the stuff of legend. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:31 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama slams the door 

What a special play by freshman cornerback Zabien Brown. In one-on-one coverage, working against Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young with the game on the line, he soared into the air to intercept Carson Beck's pass and secure a signature win for Alabama and new coach Kalen DeBoer. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:27 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia nails on fourth down 

Carson Beck has put an abysmal first half well in the rearview mirror, and his efforts on fourth down are a big reason for that. The Georgia quarterback just hist wide receiver Colbie Young for an 11-yard gain to keep the Bulldogs' hopes alive and convert on a fourth-and-2. That was Georgia's fifth fourth down conversion on five tries. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:17 pm ET · Will Backus]

And now Alabama's all the way back 

Late 4Q: No. 4 Alabama 41, No. 2 Georgia 34 

On the brink of total collapse, you turn to your playmakers. It's a simple, winning formula, and Alabama just used it to perfection to swing momentum back one play after Georgia took the lead on a 67-yard touchdown. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe hit true freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams deep. Williams leapt into the air, secured the catch on the sideline, spun away from a Georgia defender and took off down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. The ball is back in Georgia's court.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia's all the way back 

Late 4Q: No. 2 Georgia 34, No. 4 Alabama 33

It's taken a handful of plays for this game to get turned entirely on its head. Once down 28-0, Georgia just took its first lead of the game -- and is on the verge of completing the biggest comeback ever seen between two top-5 teams -- after quarterback Carson Beck hit wide receiver Dillon Bell for a 67-yard touchdown. That was the second consecutive touchdown for Bell. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:08 pm ET · Will Backus]

Dogs are barking 

Late 4Q: No. 4 Alabama 33, No. 2 Georgia 28

All of the pressure is on Alabama now. The Crimson Tide have seen their 28-0 lead all but evaporate amid an impressive run from Georgia, which has outscored its opponent 21-3 in the second half. Wide receiver Dillon Bell just scored from three yards out to make it a one-possession game with just under six minutes to play. Georgia still has all three timeouts and the 2-minute timeout to take advantage of Alabama's stumble, as well. The Crimson Tide need any sort of points to try and stop the bleeding, but muffing a kickoff inside the 5-yard line isn't going to help. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 11:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

Bulldogs with a chance 

Alabama's offense has hit a bit of a snag in the second half, which has opened the door for Georgia to at least make things interesting. The Bulldogs are going to have a chance to cut it to a one-possession game for the first time since Alabama scored its second touchdown after forcing a quick punt from the Crimson Tide. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe hasn't had many opportunities on the field and when he's touched the ball, Georgia's pass rush has made him uncomfortable and disrupted Alabama's rhythm. This upcoming Georgia possession feels like the biggest drive of the game. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 10:50 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia still battling ...

Early 4Q: No. 4 Alabama 33, No. 2 Georgia 21

It might still take a meltdown from Alabama to open the door for a complete comeback, but Georgia clearly isn't going anywhere. A fumble from Carson Beck looked like it may have been the early end of things, but the Bulldog defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Georgia's offense marched down the field to chip away at the lead. Beck hit on his second touchdown pass of the night by connecting with tight end Lawson Luckie for eight yards. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 10:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama still holds comfortable lead 

End 3Q: No. 4 Alabama 33, No. 2 Georgia 15 

Alabama still holds a comfortable lead, even if it was held to just a field goal in the third quarter, thanks to its first-half explosion. Not that the Crimson Tide were bad in the third quarter or anything, it's just that their offense barely saw the field. Between three Georgia possessions, one of which went for 15 plays and lasted seven minutes, Jalen Milroe had a lot of time on the sidelines. When he was out there, he was throwing bombs to freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, who collected a carom to haul in one of the most impressive catches all year. 

The Bulldogs offense did show some signs of life. They scored on a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Arian Smith to cap that 15-play drive, and they converted on their first third down of the game near the end of the third quarter. Though 18 points is a lot to come back from, the game is still technically within reach. It's just going to take a lot of work to get there. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 10:24 pm ET · John Talty]

Ryan Williams is, in fact, good

The 17-year-old true freshman receiver Ryan Williams made an absurd catch to put the Crimson Tide deep into Georgia's territory just when the Bulldogs started showing some life. Poor SEC defensive coordinators will have to scheme against the guy for three years. Between Williams and Ohio State star freshman Jeremiah Smith, the young receiver talent in college football right now is incredible. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 10:19 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia hits on long drive 

Late 3Q: No. 4 Alabama 30, No. 2 Georgia 15

Still a deep hole to dig out of for Georgia, but at least the offense has a pulse. It would have been extremely disheartening to hold the ball for almost seven minutes of game time. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, a couple big plays from wide receiver Dominic Lovett, highlighted by a 32-yard catch and run, but Georgia in scoring distance. Carson Beck finished the drive with a nice 12-yard touchdown pass to Arian Smith. Most importantly, Georgia's 15-play march gave the defense some much-needed rest. If the Dawgs can force a quick change of possession, or turnover, the door's still open. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 10:10 pm ET · John Talty]

Smith banged up for Alabama

Alabama safety DeVonta Smith, who has played well tonight, got banged up on the last play, needing trainer help on the field before heading straight to the medical tent. Smith was able to jog off on his own power, a good sign, but he will miss the Bulldogs' fourth-and-5 try coming up here. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 9:55 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia did not start the second half hot 

Needing to show any signs of life, Georgia's offense came out in the second half in a catatonic state. The Bulldogs didn't have a single positive play and, on third-and-10, quarterback Carson Beck was sacked by a free rusher for a loss of 11 yards. Maybe the defense could provide another spark, but would that matter with how the offense is looking? 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 9:47 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia needs hot start to second half

Georgia's defense, at least, provided some reason for optimism near the end of the second quarter. Alabama had two real chances to extend its 30-7 lead after a pair of back-breaking mistakes from quarterback Carson Beck, but the Dawgs intercepted Jalen Milroe and then stopped Alabama from marching down the field with less than two minutes to play in the first half. Now it's time for the offense to carry some weight. It will get an opportunity to do so when play resumes, and should have at least decent field position following the opening kickoff -- barring a terrible mistake. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 9:19 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia defense buckling down 

Credit to Georgia's defense for keeping things from being significantly worse. After a huge fourth-down stand, Bulldogs defensive back Dan Jackson intercepted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to keep the Crimson Tide from building on their gigantic 28-7 lead. An intentional grounding penalty from the end zone that gave the Crimson Tide two free points certainly doesn't help. But at least Georgia prevented the touchdown. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 9:11 pm ET · Will Backus]

Beck makes back-breaking mistake 

Alabama went for it on fourth-and-1 from Georgia's 34-yard line, but running back Jam Miller was bricked at the line of scrimmage. It would have been a huge momentum swing for the Bulldogs, but quarterback Carson Beck came out and immediately threw a bad interception right into the arms of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Alabama now has the ball, in scoring distance, with a 28-7 lead in its pocket. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:55 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia breaks the seal 

Late 2Q: No. 4 Alabama 28, No. 2 Georgia 7 

It's never too late to mount a comeback in college football. Georgia certainly took its first step towards that and showed some signs of life late in the second quarter. Running back Trevor Etienne Jr. capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive with a much-needed 7-yard rushing touchdown to finally put Georgia on the board. The Bulldogs initially tried a 2-point conversion but, after an offensive pass interference call, elected to kick the extra point. The onus is back on the defense to make a stop and try to stem the Tide. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:43 pm ET · John Talty]

This is ridiculous

Q2: Alabama 28, Georgia 0

What do you even say at this point? Alabama looks like the best team in college football tonight. Jalen Milroe immediately needs to fly up the Heisman Trophy contender conversation. This one is over and we haven't even gotten to halftime yet. All the talk of Georgia struggling against Kentucky last week being a good thing couldn't have been more wrong. Georgia just isn't very good so far this season. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama jumping all over Georgia 

End 1Q: No. 4 Alabama 21, No. 2 Georgia 0

This is, irrefutably, the most disastrous start of Kirby Smart's tenure. The Bulldogs haven't allowed 21 points in the first quarter since at least 2015 -- former coach Mark Richt's last year with the program -- and they haven't trailed by 21 points since 2021 when they lost 41-24 to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Alabama has scored on all three of its drives thus far with some smart playcalling, taking advantage of Georgia's soft coverage for some nice underneath chunk gains. 

The Crimson Tide have also dominated the edge. Georgia's athletes seem to be one step too slow getting outside, which has allowed Alabama to hit on some jet sweeps and outside quarterback runs. Alabama is averaging 11 yards per play so far, while Georgia has just 27 total yards of offense. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:29 pm ET · John Talty]

A dream start for Tide

Q1: Alabama 21, Georgia 0

Even Kalen DeBoer might not even have dreamed this start was possible. Everything has gone perfectly for Alabama and disastrously for Georgia. The Crimson Tide is doing whatever it wants on offense, and Georgia has zero answer for it. It's a stunning beatdown in Tuscaloosa right now. Is this game over in the first quarter? Maybe. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:25 pm ET · Will Backus]

Disaster for Georgia 

It really couldn't be going worse for the Bulldogs. Already down 14-0, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck just sailed a short pass right into the arms of Alabama defensive back Domani Jackson, who secured the catch and returned the ball a few yards to set the Crimson Tide up on Georgia's 22-yard line. Alabama now has a chance to blow this one wide open, if Georgia's defense cannot stiffen up in a tough situation. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:19 pm ET · John Talty]

Alabama offense looks unstoppable

Q1: Alabama 14, Georgia 0

We may be watching Jalen Milroe's Heisman Trophy moment unfolding in Tuscaloosa right now. Milroe is on fire, making it look easy against Kirby Smart's stout Georgia defense. Milroe threw an absolute dime to Jamarion Miller to put the Tide up two scores. It's getting dangerous early for the Bulldogs inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. If this is the version of Milroe we are getting all night, good luck stopping it. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:11 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia's first drive stalls 

Georgia's first offensive drive of the game started promising enough, as quarterback Carson Beck found wide receiver Dominic Lovett for a gain of 15 yards on the first play of scrimmage. But that was the highlight. From there, short runs and an offensive pass interference call on Lovett put the Bulldogs well behind the chains. Beck's third-and-21 pass flew out of bounds and Georgia had to punt the ball away, facing an early 7-0 deficit. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 8:01 pm ET · John Talty]

Alabama makes an early statement

Q1: Alabama 7, Georgia 0

A strong first drive for Jalen Milroe and Alabama's offense. Milroe already making Georgia pay with his legs, before punching it in from 7 yards out to give the Crimson Tide a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. Kalen DeBoer has to be pretty happy with that start. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:49 pm ET · Will Backus]

Alabama set to get things started

Georgia won the toss and deferred to the second half, which means that Alabama's offense will get the ball first. All eyes will be on Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has had a spectacular year both running and throwing the football thus far. This will be his biggest test yet, without a doubt. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:18 pm ET · Will Backus]

Georgia EDGE Williams warming up 

Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams, who suffered an ankle sprain in the Bulldogs' season-opening win against Clemson, is dressed out and warming up. He was listed as a game-time decision on UGA's final injury report. The defensive star missed Georgia's games against Tennessee Tech and Kentucky, but the bye week leading into the Alabama game gave him more time to get healthy. As a potential first-round draft pick and one of the most talented pass rushers in the nation, his return would be a huge boon for Georgia's defense. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · John Talty]

Alabama vs. Georgia prediction 

There are storylines galore with this game but perhaps most interesting will be seeing how real both these teams are. Georgia looked very wobbly against Kentucky while Alabama hasn't played anyone yet. Both should be SEC Championship and CFP contenders, but we'll know a lot more after Saturday night. Bryant-Denny Stadium should be rocking, but the Bulldogs still have the slightest of edges here. A slim victory against Kentucky plus a bye week gave Kirby Smart plenty of time to hammer the message home with his team – and build a successful game plan – that proves the difference here. Pick: Georgia (-2)

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John Talty