Key Moments That Defined Alabama's Win and Auburn's Razor-Thin Loss

### Who’s Dazed?

In the aftermath of a thrilling showdown between Alabama and Georgia, we’re left reeling from a 41-34 whirlwind that surely rattled a few nerves. It was easy to get swept away by Ryan Williams’ spectacular performance, which salvaged the Crimson Tide from a historic collapse. So, what did we learn in Week 5 of the college football season?

The context surrounding Alabama's marathon victory over Georgia—and Auburn's third consecutive loss after a five-game homestand—adds layers of complexity. Just like Auburn's 27-21 collapse against Oklahoma, turnovers proved to be the decisive factor in this evenly matched contest.

Both the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs had opportunities to assert themselves as the best in the nation. Alabama started the game on fire, playing nearly flawlessly for the first 19 minutes before Georgia finally awoke from a 28-0 stupor.

**COLUMN:** Alabama Dominates Georgia, Should Claim No. 1 Spot in Polls

Then it was Georgia’s turn to impress the playoff committee with a gritty comeback, nearly stealing the game amidst Williams’ dizzying footwork.

In essence, this clash showcased two playoff-caliber teams battling it out in true Alabama-Georgia fashion. With this victory, the Crimson Tide now has a clearer path to the SEC title game in what is the first division-less sprint.

Alabama’s offense demonstrated its prowess against a Georgia defense that had not allowed a touchdown in three games prior to being carved up for four touchdowns in the Tide’s initial four drives. 

Jalen Milroe was unstoppable during those drives, showcasing impressive stats:

- **8 plays, 70 yards:** Milroe rushing touchdown (7 yards)

- **6 plays, 84 yards:** Jam Miller touchdown catch from Milroe (16 yards)

- **3 plays, 22 yards:** Germie Bernard rushing touchdown (7 yards) after an interception

- **6 plays, 67 yards:** Milroe rushing touchdown (36 yards)

At that point, Alabama was outgaining Georgia 258-27, and a mercy rule seemed necessary. It was shocking to see Alabama performing at such a high level, especially after establishing a 28-0 lead—showing more physicality, discipline, and coaching prowess.

Kudos to Georgia for not just making it a game but nearly pulling off the upset.

The Bulldogs displayed guts by converting all five fourth downs they attempted. Notably, when trailing 30-7 early in the third quarter, Georgia opted against punting on a fourth-and-1 from their own 29. If they had been stopped, Alabama would have been poised to extend their lead to 37-7, which could have spelled doom for Kirby Smart’s era.

This decision marked the beginning of a game-changing drive as Georgia converted three fourth downs on their side of the field, culminating in an 80-yard drive that cut Alabama's lead to 30-15.

The next three touchdown drives became increasingly efficient as time dwindled:

- **6 plays, 80 yards, 1:46 off the clock**

- **4 plays, 78 yards, 1:35**

- **1 play, 67 yards, 11 seconds** (Georgia takes the lead)

The turnaround from a 33-15 deficit with 9:46 remaining in the fourth quarter to a 34-33 lead with 2:31 left was arguably more impressive than Alabama's early-game explosion.

Both teams demonstrated they could land heavy punches against elite competition—and also what happens when both struggle. Their back-and-forth scoring created a need to identify a winner and a loser.

The decisive factor, it could be argued, was Georgia’s four turnovers. While the game-ending interception was critical, the first-quarter pick was pivotal as well. In a game marked by long drives and explosive plays, Alabama capitalized on this rare short field opportunity.

That 22-yard touchdown drive stood out against the backdrop of nine other touchdown marches, all spanning no less than 67 yards. It was an anomaly and accounted for the seven-point difference at the end of the game.

The same theme played out in Auburn, albeit under different stakes. If Auburn had learned about the power of turnovers, they were once again exposed by a costly mistake.

We learned that Auburn's margin for error is razor-thin after building a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter, only to watch a nightmare unfold once more.

Payton Thorne demonstrated he could play three excellent quarters, but the failure to deliver a final blow left Auburn vulnerable to disaster.

We learned it doesn’t take four interceptions to derail a game—it only takes one.

A 63-yard Pick-6 thrown to Kip Lewis with 4:06 remaining turned what was almost a triumphant day for Thorne into another disappointing loss. For a moment, he showcased the skills of a classic Hugh Freeze quarterback, tossing touchdown passes of 31 yards to KeAndre Lambert-Smith and 48 yards to Malcolm Simmons.

With a 21-10 lead established after a 1-yard pass to tight end Luke Deal early in the fourth quarter, it seemed Auburn might finally end its rocky September on a high note. But the early arrival of spooky season brought that hope crashing down.

The 15th turnover of the season proved to be the dagger, shifting from a 21-16 lead to a 24-21 deficit as the Sooner linebacker snagged Thorne’s costly mistake.

We learned that Auburn needs near-perfection when facing teams with similar talent. 

And once again, turnovers are lethal.

It’s fitting that Georgia and Auburn will meet next Saturday, as the Bulldogs begin their playoff push while the Tigers face the growing possibility of bowl ineligibility.

### What Else Did We Learn on Saturday?  

- No. 1 Texas appeared vulnerable at times during their 35-13 victory over what is arguably the worst team in the SEC. Mississippi State (1-4) trailed just 14-6 at halftime, with Texas scoring in the final minute for some breathing room. Arch Manning completed an impressive 26 of 31 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but this wasn’t the blowout we anticipated in the Longhorns’ first week atop the polls.

- Lane Kiffin remains Lane Kiffin.

- Kentucky’s defense is legitimate. They stifled the offenses of two top-10 teams in consecutive SEC games, limiting Georgia to just 13 points and Ole Miss to 17.

- The top teams from the other two power conferences are making a case for breaking away from the SEC and Big Ten. No. 7 Miami almost faltered in a 38-34 win against a Virginia Tech team that lost to Vanderbilt in Week 1. Meanwhile, No. 10 Utah, the pride of the Big 12, fell 23-10 to Arizona.

- In the Big Ten, Ohio State continues to dominate, delivering a 38-7 win over Michigan State that highlighted Ryan Williams’ performance. Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith dazzled with a 5-catch, 83-yard night.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.