Georgia vs. Alabama: Some key stats
The Georgia Bulldogs held the Alabama Crimson Tide scoreless for two quarters in the College Football Playoff Championship Game Monday, Jan. 18, 2018, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Alabama got on the board in the third quarter after replacing starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Here’s a look at some of the key stats that emerged during the game:
• In the first quarter, on third-and seven with 13:46 on the clock, Jake Fromm’s pass is intercepted by Alabama’s Tony Brown.
That was Jake Fromm's 1st Int since Week 12 vs Kentucky
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• Georgia went two series without a rush attempt. Their first attempt came on first-and-10 with 6:54 left in the first quarter. Nick Chubb rushed up the middle for 4 yards.
Entering tonight, the fewest rushes Georgia had attempted in its first 2 drives was 3 vs Tennessee.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
They have attempted none tonight.
• Facing a third-and-20 at their own 48, Sony Michel rushed for 26 yards to the Alabama 26.
That's the first time Alabama has allowed an opponent to convert on 3rd and 20 or more since 2011 (had been 0-34)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• The Bulldogs and Tide were scoreless after the first quarter.
In the last 5 years- when Alabama games are tied 0-0 at the end of the first quarter , the Tide are 6-0 with an average margin of victory of 21.5 points.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• Alabama trailed Georgia 13-0 at halftime.
Alabama had been held scoreless in the first half twice previously under Nick Saban (since 2007):
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
November 5, 2016 at LSU, a game they went on to win 10-0
September 29, 2007, a game they lost 21-14 at Florida St pic.twitter.com/Ej92OTwNdD
• Nick Saban starts the second half in unfamiliar territory.
13 points would be Alabama's second largest halftime deficit in 11 seasons under Nick Saban (trailed 31-17 at halftime of 2014 Sugar Bowl
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
2 teams have overcome a 13-pt deficit in a BCS/CFP national championship game
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
Florida St- 18 points in 2014 BCS Champ. vs Auburn
Clemson- 14 points in 2017 CFP National Championship vs Alabama
• After Tua Tagovailoa started the second half for Alabama over Jalen Hurts.
This is the first time Tua Tagovailoa has played with Alabama *not* leading by double digits this season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
One former champion Alabama quarterback, chimed in approving the move.
You had to make that move just to see if you can get some momentum on offense. Have to throw the ball to win this game now that we’re in this hole! Just take what they give you Tua & play your game man! #RTR
— AJ McCarron (@10AJMcCarron) January 9, 2018
• After Tagovailoa leads Alabama to its first score - a 6-yard TD pass to Henry Ruggs III.
Alabama by QB Tonight:
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
94 yds in 24 plays with Jalen Hurts (3.9 yds/play)
58 yds in 10 plays with Tua Tagovailoa (5.8 yds/play)
• Fromm connects with Mecole Hardman for 80 yards for a Georgia touchdown.
The 80-yard Georgia TD was longest play Alabama allowed all year. Previous long was 54 yards.
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) January 9, 2018
• 80-yard touchdown pass set a championship game record.
80-yard TD pass is the longest touchdown from scrimmage in a BCS/CFP Championship Game;
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
Previous long was 79 yards from Tee Martin to Peerless Price in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl. https://t.co/AL3nyRm4rO
• Hardman makes some championship game history midway through the third quarter.
Mecole Hardman joins Tre Mason and Eddie Lacy as the only players with a rushing and receiving TD in a BCS/CFP championship game pic.twitter.com/O0590rjCQw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• With 6:39 in the third quarter, Tagovailoa’s pass is intercepted by Georgia’s Deandre Baker.
Bama hadn't turned the ball over in its last 4 BCS/CFP title game appearances. The last time the Tide turned the ball over when playing for the title was 2010 BCS game against Texas, and one of those turnovers was an interception thrown by the punter. - @ESPNStatsInfo
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) January 9, 2018
• The Bulldogs opened the fourth quarter with a 20-10 lead.
3 of the last 4 champions trailed entering the 4th quarter, including Clemson last season (trailed by 10).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
The national champion has scored at least 14 points in the 4th quarter of each of the last 4 title games.
• On fourth-and-four at the Georgia 7, Tagovailoa finds Calvin Ridley in the end zone for a touchdown with 3:56 left on the clock.
Alabama is now 15-18 on 4th down this season
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• With less than 4 minutes in regulation, Alabama ties the game 20-20.
Georgia has lost six games in two seasons under Kirby Smart;
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
It has blown 13+ point leads in two of them (2016 vs Tennessee and Georgia Tech).
• 36-yard-field goal attempt by Andy Pappanastos is no good at the end of regulation.
Andy Pappanastos was a perfect 13-for-13 on kicks from 36 yards or less in his career ... until that miss
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• Trophy ceremony is on hold as Alabama and Georgia go into overtime.
Second BCS/CFP title game to go to OT (2003 Fiesta Bowl - 2002 season).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
Other: Ohio State def. Miami in 2 OT.
• In overtime, Rodrigo Blankenship puts Georgia ahead with a 51-yard-field goal.
That's the longest field goal in BCS/CFP championship history.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• With their first posession in overtime, Tagovailoa completes a 41-yard touchdown pass to freshman Devonta Smith for a touchdown -- and the win.
DeVonta Smith: first reception of the game
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
Alabama defeats Georgia, 26-23, in overtime.
• Nick Saban makes history with his sixth national championship.
Nick Saban: wins 6th national title, tying Bear Bryant for the most by a head coach in Poll Era (since 1936) pic.twitter.com/2tnTZj2YbM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• The win made history for Alabama, not just Saban.
Alabama: 5th national title in 9 seasons, shortest span to win 5 titles since polls began in 1936 pic.twitter.com/9ItPC0OSRV
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
• Saban maintained his winning streak over former assistants.
Former Nick Saban assistant coaches are 0-12 against him in head coaching matchups.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2018
Kirby Smart is the latest to lose pic.twitter.com/YORRyU32OD
