2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

Early enrollees

None of the recruits transferring from other programs enrolled for Spring semester courses at Alabama. The twelve players are 5-star running back Najee Harris from Antioch HS, 5-star offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood from Booker T. Washington HS, 5-star linebacker end Dylan Moses from IMG Academy, 4-star wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from Deerfield Beach HS, 4-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from St. Louis School, 4-star wide receiver Tyrell Shavers from Lewisville HS, 4-star defensive end Isaiah Buggs from Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 4-star offensive tackle Elliot Baker from City College of San Francisco, 4-star athlete Chadarius Townsend from Tanner HS, 4-star tight end Major Tennison from Bullard HS, 3-star cornerback Kyriq McDonald from James Clemens HS and 2-star long snapper Thomas Fletcher from IMG Academy. The list includes ratings when originally recruited from high school.

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Najee Harris #2 RB	Antioch, CA	Antioch HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	226 lb (103 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Dylan Moses #1 ATH	Bradenton, FL	IMG Academy	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Alex Leatherwood #3 OT	Pensacola, FL	Booker T. Washington HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	327 lb (148 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jerry Jeudy #3 WR	Deerfield Beach, FL	Deerfield Beach HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Tua Tagovailoa #1 QB-DT	Honolulu, HI	St. Louis School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Tyrell Shavers #19 WR	Lewisville, TX	Lewisville HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Isaiah Buggs #1 DE (JC)	Gilbert, LA	Mississippi Gulf Coast CC	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	280 lb (130 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Elliot Baker #1 OT (JC)	San Francisco, CA	City College of San Francisco	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	297 lb (135 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Chadarius Townsend #13 ATH	Tanner, AL	Tanner HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Major Tennison #15 TE-Y	Bullard, TX	Bullard HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kyriq McDonald #64 CB	Madison, AL	James Clemens HS	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Thomas Fletcher #3 LS	Bradenton, FL	IMG Academy	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	Enrolled
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals: N/A   247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings:
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources:

Source:

2017 National Signing Day

On National Signing Day, Alabama signed 18 additional players out of high school that completed the 2017 recruiting class. The class was highlighted by 19 players from the "ESPN 300". Alabama signed the No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals.com,^[3] Scout.com,^[4] 247Sports.com^[5] and ESPN^[6] recruiting class.

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Devonta Smith #34 WR	Amite, LA	Amite HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	157 lb (71 kg)	-	Feb 1, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Henry Ruggs III #23 WR	Montgomery, AL	Robert E. Lee HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	-	Feb 1, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
LaBryan Ray #2 DT	Madison, AL	James Clemens HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	-	Feb 1, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Phidarian Mathis #4 DT	Monroe, LA	Neville HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	287 lb (130 kg)	-	Feb 1, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Joseph Bulovas #7 K	Mandeville, LA	Mandeville HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	-	Jan 25, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Jedrick Willis #2 OG	Lexington, KY	Lafayette HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	315 lb (143 kg)	5.19	Nov 15, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Markail Benton #3 LB	Phenix City, AL	Central High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	237 lb (108 kg)	-	Jun 10, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Daniel Wright #5 S	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Boyd Anderson HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	168 lb (76 kg)	4.71	Dec 9, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Xavier McKinney #9 S	Roswell, GA	Roswell HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	196 lb (89 kg)	4.59	Jan 1, 2017
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Chris Allen #9 LB	Baton Rouge, LA	Southern University Lab School	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	234 lb (106 kg)	-	Nov 27, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Brian Robinson #18 RB	Tuscaloosa, AL	Hillcrest HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	216 lb (98 kg)	4.62	Nov 9, 2015
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kendall Randolph #23 OT	Madison, AL	Bob Jones HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	285 lb (129 kg)	-	Jul 31, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Vandarius Cowan #13 LB	Palm Beach Gardens, FL	Palm Beach Gardens HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	226 lb (103 kg)	4.65	Apr 9, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Kedrick James #8 TE-Y	Waco, TX	La Vega HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	5.13	Feb 3, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Mac Jones #17 QB	Jacksonville, FL	The Bolles School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.91	Jun 7, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Hunter Brannon #60 OG	Cullman, AL	Cullman HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	290 lb (130 kg)	5.86	Jul 23, 2016
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 1   Rivals: 1  247Sports: 1  ESPN: 1
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2017 Alabama Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017. "2017 Alabama Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017. "2017 Players Commitments – Alabama". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017. "2017 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017. "2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team". 247sports.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.

Incoming transfers

Alabama added no transfers to the 2017 roster.

Depth chart

vs Florida State Seminoles

The Tide opened the season in the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia against No. 3-ranked Florida State. Alabama came into the game with the mantra "Don't waste a failure",^[10] a reference to the disappointing loss to Clemson in the previous season's 2017 CFP National Championship game. Although having a competitive first half, the game was considered by some to fall short of preseason expectations.^[11] Furthermore, Florida State would post a disappointing 7-6 record on the year, due in part to a season ending injury to starting QB Deondre Francois in the fourth quarter, failing to deliver on much of the game's promised impact. The game for Alabama would also prove somewhat of a pyrrhic victory as linebackers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller would be out with significant injuries, a theme that would continue to haunt the Alabama defense for the entirety of the regular season.

The first half was characterized largely as a defensive struggle for both teams. After a turnover on downs stop by the Alabama defense on fourth and 2, the offense would march down the field for a 36-yard Andy Pappanastos field goal (ALA 3 FSU 0) late in the first quarter. FSU would respond with a drive of their own culminating in a 3-yard pass to Auden Tate (ALA 3 FSU 7) which was matched by a 53-yard bomb from Alabama's Jalen Hurts to Calvin Ridley for a touchdown on Alabama's next drive (ALA 10 FSU 3). Both teams would hold the other's offense to minimal production for the rest of the half including a blocked FG attempt by FSU from Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Florida State would open the second half with a promising drive that stalled at midfield after an Alabama sack. After a few possession exchanges, Alabama would find itself in prime position to score after a punt attempt by Florida State was blocked and recovered by Alabama deep in FSU territory. This would culminate in an Andy Pappanastos FG for 25 yards (ALA 13 FSU 7). On the ensuing kick return, Alabama's Dylan Moses would force a fumble recovered by Alabama, and on the first play of Alabama's drive, Damien Harris would score on a rushing touchdown from 11 yards out. Alabama would come away with a successful two-point conversion attempt after the touchdown to go up by two touchdowns (ALA 21 FSU 7). For the rest of the game, the Alabama defense would dominate FSU including picking off two passes by Deondre Francois. Alabama would kick one more field goal late in the game from 33 yards out (ALA 24 FSU 7) to seal the Alabama victory. The Alabama defense held the Seminoles to 40 yards rushing. Bama quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 10 of 17 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown while Damien Harris ran for 73 yards and a touchdown.^[12]

Fresno State Bulldogs

The Tide welcomed Fresno State to Bryant-Denny Stadium for their first home game of the season in what would be a predictable blowout of the talented but outmatched Bulldogs, a team that would go on to play in the Mountain West Championship Game.

Alabama would start the game on offense to begin the first quarter. On the second play of Alabama's opening drive, QB Jalen Hurts would run for a 55-yard touchdown. Alabama would also score a touchdown on their next possession in a 23-yard Jalen Hurts pass to Hale Hentges, and again on the drive after that in a 4-yard Bo Scarbrough run as time expired on the first quarter. During this time, Fresno State would put together a respectable 70 yard drive for a field goal. (ALA 21 FRESNO 3). In the second quarter, Alabama would see a Damien Harris touchdown run from five yards out late in the second quarter while Fresno State would stall on their last possession of the half (ALA 28 FRESNO 3).

In the second half, Alabama would put together a drive which culminated in an Andy Pappanastos FG from 24 yards out in the third quarter before pulling starting QB Jalen Hurts for the backup QB and future CFP National Championship game offensive MVP Tua Tagovailoa. (ALA 31 FRESNO 3). In the fourth quarter, Tua would engineer a field goal and touchdown drive in a 16-yard pass to Henry Ruggs III for Alabama while Fresno State would find the endzone after a 63-yard punt return and 26 yard touchdown pass from QB Chason Virgil to Derrion Grim. (ALA 41 FRESNO 10). The Alabama defense held the Bulldogs to 58 yards rushing while the Tide amassed 305 yards on the ground.

Colorado State Rams

Alabama welcomed the (2-1) Colorado State Rams for the second home game of the season who were lead by third year head coach Mike Bobo. Although Alabama would win convincingly, this game was marked by several momentum shifts which benefited Colorado State against the Alabama defense (lacking several key starters due to injury) early in the game and at the end of the game during garbage time. Offensively, Alabama would post a strong 487 yards, including passing and rushing touchdowns from Alabama QB Jalen Hurts. Colorado State would go on to post a winning 7-6 Record on the year and finish second in their division within the Mountain West Conference.

Alabama received the ball to start the game and would score on this drive and its next two drives. The first culminated in a Jalen Hurts 27 yard run, the second with a 78-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley, and the third an Andy Pappanastos field goal from 46 yards out (ALA 17 CSU 0). Although the Alabama defense would hold CSU to no points in the first quarter, CSU would engineer two lengthy drives comprising a field goal and touchdown off strong passing proficiency from CSU QB Nick Stevens (ALA 17 CSU 10). The Alabama offense would rally though late in the second quarter wherein Jalen Hurts would find Robert Foster for a 52 passing touchdown. (ALA 24 CSU 10) to effectively end the first half.

In the second half, Nick Stevens would be picked off two times in the third quarter which Alabama would capitalize on in both situations for touchdowns, one in a Bo Scarbrough run for 9 yards for a TD and another in a Damien Harris run for 5 yards for a TD, virtually guaranteeing the Alabama win (ALA 38 CSU 10). In the fourth quarter, the Alabama defense would give up two touchdown drives while the Alabama offense, under the control of backup QB Tua Tagovailoa, would post a field goal to end the game. (ALA 41 CSU 23).

@ Vanderbilt Commodores

Alabama opened up its SEC schedule with a road game (though 75% of the stadium were Alabama fans^[13]) against a (3-0) Vanderbilt Commodores team lead by 4th season head coach, Derek Mason. Vanderbilt came into the game off a ranked win over then AP ranked number 17 Kansas State of the Big 12 conference, the first time since 1946 that Vanderbilt beat an AP ranked non-SEC opponent. In addition, Vanderbilt posted a then top 20 defense and had a team return 16 starters from last season. At the end of the Kansas State game, Vanderbilt stadium erupted in chants of “We want Bama!”, a running gag of sorts within college football at the time.^[14] Vanderbilt defensive lineman Nifae Lealao was also interviewed after the Kansas State game, stating “When you come to our house, we show you how to play some SEC ball. It don’t matter where you from…Alabama, you’re next” which was republished throughout the week by various outlets in the lead up to the game.^[15][16][17] Alabama would win the game 59-0, post a school record 38 first downs and a school record margin of total offense of 599 yards (677 yards Alabama to Vanderbilt’s 78).

Vanderbilt had the first possession of the game which was intercepted four plays into the drive by Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison. Although Alabama would not capitalize on this turnover, on their next four possessions afterwards they would find the endzone for four rushing touchdowns. The first came off a run by Bo Scarbrough from 6 yards out, the second a 61-yard Damien Harris run, the third (off a fumble recovery forced by Anfernee Jennings) a methodical rushing drive culminating in a 2-yard Damien Harris touchdown, and the fourth another rushing drive which ended with a 2-yard rushing touchdown for Bo Scarbrough. (ALA 28 VANDY 0). Alabama would tack on one more field goal in the second quarter and Vanderbilt would be held to very minimal offensive production (ALA 31 VANDY 0).

Alabama opened the second half with a drive consisting largely of the run ending in a 2-yard rushing touchdown for Damien Harris. This drive was the last for starting QB Jalen Hurts who was 9/17 for 78 yards through the air and 48 yards on the ground. After a Vanderbilt 3 and out, Alabama backup QB Tua Tagovailoa would play for the remainder of the game, accounting for two passing touchdowns, one to Jerry Jeudy from 34 yards out and one to DeVonta Smith from 27 yards out. Alabama would tack on one more touchdown with the help of a long passing play to set up a 17-yard run from Brian Robinson Jr. (ALA 59 VANDY 0).

The shift between Hurts and Tagovailoa was marked by a dramatic shift in playcalling and offensive scheme which was representative of the strengths of each quarterback. Drives orchestrated by Hurts tended to use an offensive scheme developed by former OC Lane Kiffin: a hybrid between an option offense for running schemes and a west-coast offense characterized by running veers and horizontal passing attacks. However, the offensive scheme under Tagovailoa resembled a traditional pro-style offense, a scheme that then OC Brian Daboll favored, which emphasize pocket presence, multiple downfield reads, play-action, vertical passing, and between-the-tackles-running. This difference in playcalling would arise down the line as a major factor in Alabama’s come from behind win against Georgia in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game (see Georgia below).

Ole Miss Rebels

Alabama welcomed the Ole Miss Rebels to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's first intradivisional match-up. Although Alabama was heavily favored going into this game, the recent history of this meeting was a tumultuous one for Alabama, having lost to Ole Miss in 2014 and 2015 and narrowly avoiding losing to them in 2016 (Alabama at one point trailed 24 to 3 and required a come from behind victory in the fourth quarter). However 2017 Ole Miss was coached by interim coach Matt Luke and not previous head-coach Hugh Freeze (who coached Ole Miss from 2012 through the 2016 Ole Miss seasons). This was a result of a sudden departure of Hugh Freeze during the off-season who was all but forced to resign when it came to light that, during Ole Miss' more public legal dispute between itself and former Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt, a "concerning pattern" of behavior came to light wherein Ole Miss was made aware of several call logs between Hugh Freeze and a female escort service^[18]. As such, Ole Miss was in less of a position (due to off-the-field distractions) to cause Alabama trouble as it had in the past, resulting in an obliterating 66-3 Score.

In the First quarter, Alabama would find the endzone three times. Two of these scores were on offense the first being the result of favorable starting position that culminated in a 6-yard Bo Scarbrough rushing touchdown (ALA 7, MISS 0) and the second a long 85 yard drive comprising a spectacular 60-yard reception from Cam Sims that culminated in a 3-yard Hale Hentges reception. These two scores bookended an interception for a touchdown from Levi Wallace (ALA 21-3). Ole Miss would find the score board off a field goal late in the first from 26-yards out by kicker Gary Wunderlich. (ALA 21 MISS 3). The second quarter, more quiet than the first, included a Jalen Hurts pass to Josh Jacobs from 18-yards out (ALA 28 MISS 3) and another drive off a short field in two back-to-back Jalen Hurts rushes (ALA 35 MISS 3).

As Ole Miss started the game with possession, Alabama would receive the ball to start the second half which would culminate in a beautiful 48-yard kick from JK Scott (ALA 38 MISS 3). By this point, Ole Miss could not generate any form of offense or defense, allowing Alabama to simply pile on drive after drive, including a 4-yard Najee Harris run for a touchdown (ALA 45 MISS 3), then (after a QB exchange and off the back of a 45-yard Josh Jacobs rush) a 3-yard rush from back-up QB Tua Tagovailoa (ALA 52 MISS 3), then (off another Levi Wallace interception) an 8-yard pass from Tagovailoa to Henry Ruggs III (ALA 59 MISS 3), and finally a 91-yard drive lasting over 8 in-game minutes that culminated in a Ronnie Clark 9-yard run (ALA 66 MISS 3). This was Alabama's largest margin-of-victory since 1979. However, in line with the rest of the season, Alabama linebacker D'Shawn Hand would be injured in the third quarter, further depleting Alabama's already sparse defensive backfield.

@ Texas A&M Aggies

Arkansas Razorbacks

Tennessee Volunteers

LSU Tigers

@ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mercer Bears

@ Auburn Tigers

vs. Clemson Tigers

During the Final Selection Day by the College Football Playoff committee held on December 3, 2017, Alabama was selected over the only other serious contender the Ohio State Buckeyes for inclusion in the CFP at number 4. This decision was controversial for some media outlets and commentators.^[19][20][21]

Going into this game Alabama was likely looking to avenge losing on the last play of the game during the 2016 College Football National Championship Game against Clemson and to prove they belonged in the CFP after their controversial inclusion. At the beginning of the game, Alabama won the coin toss and elected to defer their choice to the second half. The game was marked throughout the game by strong defensive performances by both Clemson and a healthy, rejuvenated Alabama defense. During the middle of the first quarter, Alabama had an opportunity in the red zone stalled and settled for a 24-yard field goal from kicker Andy Pappanastos (AL 3 - CLEM 0). After another 3 and out by Clemson, Alabama would, with great field position, drive down the field which culminated in a 12-yard pass from QB Jalen Hurts to Calvin Ridley (AL 10 - CLEM 0). Clemson, however would respond in the second quarter with a drive which ended with a 44-yard FG from Clemson kicker Alex Spence(AL 10 - CLEM 3). Defensive performances by both teams would keep this score the same going into the half.

In the Second half, Alabama would receive the ball but uncharacteristically fumbled deep in their own territory on a muffed handoff between QB Jalen Hurts and RB Damien Harris. A strong Alabama defensive response would limit this turnover to a 42-yard Alex Spence FG (AL 10 - CLEM 6). After an Alabama three and out, a promising Clemson drive would be cut short when Clemson QB Kelly Bryant was tackled as he threw the ball causing it to wobble into the arms of Alabama defensive tackle Daron Payne for an interception. Alabama would capitalize on this momentum with a drive into the Clemson redzone, where, on second and goal, Alabama would bring in their goal line set which includes Payne as a downhill blocker fullback. However, instead of running Payne up the middle, he would roll out for a 1-yard reception from Jalen Hurts (AL 17- CLEM 6) in what is affectionately known as a "big man touchdown". On the first play of Clemson's next drive, Kelly Bryant's intended pass to Deon Cain was deflected by Alabama's Levi Wallace into the arms of Mack Wilson for an interception returned for a touchdown (ALA 24 CLEM 6). The Alabama defense would control Clemson for the remainder of the 3rd and 4th quarter, ending the game (ALA 24 CLEM 6).

vs. Georgia Bulldogs

By virtue of Alabama's win in the CFP Semi-final in the Sugar Bowl over Clemson and Georgia's overtime win over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, Alabama and Georgia, who did not play during SEC play, would be slated to play on January 8, 2018 in the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2018 College Football National Championship Game. This game marked the first time ex-Defensive Coordinator for Alabama Kirby Smart, head coach of Georgia would face off against his mentor Nick Saban.

To start the game Alabama would win the coin toss and elect to defer. On Georgia's opening drive, Alabama's Tony Brown would intercept a pass intended for Georgia's Riley Ridley (younger brother of Alabama's Calvin Ridley). Alabama would use this momentum to get Andy Pappanastos in a position for a 40-yard field goal which he would shank badly to the left. This would be Alabama's only meaningful offensive production for the entire half. On the Georgia side, Georgia QB Jake Fromm utilized a very effective balanced offensive to stress an increasingly exhausted Alabama defense (due to a combination of abysmal offensive production by Alabama and excellent, preternatural play from the Georgia offense). During the middle of the first, on third and 20 the Alabama defense would be gashed by Georgia's Sony Michel for 26 yards to get within FG range. The Alabama defense though tightened up and held Georgia to a completed 41 yard FG from Georgia's Rodrigo Blankenship (AL 0 GA 3). After another Alabama 3 and out, Georgia would again march down the field to the Alabama redzone where, again, Alabama held Georgia to only a completed FG attempt of 27 yards (AL 0 GA 6). Alabama and Georgia would trade minimal drives until Georgia gained possession of the ball with 1:12 left in the half. This drive, which included a strong QB run from Jake Fromm, ultimately capitalized on a tired and frustrated Alabama defense for a 1-yard run for a TD by Georgia Mecole Hardman (AL 0 GA 13). Alabama would get one play left to end the half, which was used to kneel the ball.

Alabama would receive the ball to start the half, with one significant modification of personnel: benching the 2 year starting QB Jalen Hurts for true freshman phenom from Hawaii Tua Tagovailoa. Though Alabama would not see an immediate benefit (their first drive going for a three and out), Tua would, during the course of the game, almost single-handedly resurrect a rudderless Alabama offense and become offensive MVP of the game.

After holding Georgia to a three and out, a reinvigorated Alabama offense would face a 3rd and 7 situation near midfield where Tua would elude four unblocked defenders in the backfield for an Alabama first down. Capturing the momentum, Alabama then sealed the drive with a 6-yard strike from Tua to Henry Ruggs III (AL 7 GA 13). Four plays into Georgia's next drive, Fromm would throw, on third and long, an 80-yard pass to Mecole Hardman for a touchdown (AL 7 GA 20) negating Alabama's gain. Worse yet for Alabama, Tua, on an ill-advised pass on Alabama's next possession, would be picked off deep in their own territory. At the brink of collapse, Alabama would receive a godsend on the very next play in a deflected Jake Fromm pass for an Alabama interception by Raekwon Davis. Using this sudden turnover, Alabama would drive into FG range with a 43 Yard Andy Pappanastos field goal (AL 10 GA 20). Alabama and Georgia would trade minimal drives to end the third quarter. On Georgia's first drive of the fourth, the beleaguered Alabama defense would once more stand tall and allow Alabama to get the ball back. During Alabama's first drive of the fourth another freshman phenom, RB Najee Harris, would aid the Alabama offense for another completed FG from 30 yards (AL 13 GA 20). After a Georgia stop, Alabama would again drive down the field and on fourth down and four deep in Georgia territory elect to go for the touchdown instead of kick another field goal. This pass from Tua was completed into triple coverage to Calvin Ridley for a 7-yard touchdown (AL 20 GA 20). The Alabama defense, tired and exhausted would one more time prove their mettle and hold Georgia to a three and out. Alabama, in prime position with 2:50 left in the game, drove down the field and set up what would potentially be a game winning field goal with three seconds left on the clock. However, Andy Pappanastos, with foreshadowings of his first shanked kick of the game, would miss wide left from 36 yards out, sending the game into overtime.

Alabama, again, won the coin toss in overtime and elected to play defense. For the last time, the Alabama defense would stand tall with a Terrell Lewis sack of Jake Fromm for a 13-yard loss. Despite the distance, stellar kicking for 51 yards from Rodrigo Blankenship would put Georgia up. (AL 20 GA 23). On Alabama's first play of their drive, Tua, showing his inexperience, attempted to outmaneuver two unblocked defenders in the backfield instead of throwing the ball away putting Alabama back 16 yards. With everything on the line, instead of trying to get some of the yards back, Alabama elected to run what it calls Seattle,^[22] a play designed for long passes. Tua, recognizing Cover II in the back, shifted the safety as far to the middle of the field as he could with his eyes,^[23] and then immediately threw a pass to freshman DeVonta Smith for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown (AL 26 – GA 23). This was Alabama's 17th claimed national championship, 11th AP National Championship, and fifth in nine years for Head Coach Nick Saban.