The Alabama Crimson Tide survived a thrilling second-half comeback from the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night, pulling off a 41-34 victory in Tuscaloosa. With this hard-fought win, Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama team remains undefeated at 4-0, marking an impressive start to his first season as head coach following the retirement of Nick Saban.
Despite Alabama holding a commanding 30-7 lead at halftime, the game quickly turned into a high-octane offensive showdown. Both SEC powerhouses combined for a staggering 1,066 total yards of offense. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe played a crucial role in the Tide’s success, accounting for 491 total yards and four touchdowns.
After the game, college football analyst and former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III took to social media to share his thoughts on the matchup, delivering a clear message about Alabama’s performance without their iconic former coach, Nick Saban.
“This was Kalen DeBoer’s ‘I’m the captain now’ game,” Griffin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Alabama is still Alabama without Nick Saban.”
This was Kalen Deboer’s “I’m the captain now” game. Alabama is still Alabama without Nick Saban.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 29, 2024
DeBoer’s squad faced their toughest challenge of the season on Saturday, having cruised through their first three games with commanding victories over Western Kentucky (63-0), South Florida (42-16), and Wisconsin (42-10). Saturday’s clash with Georgia was a statement game, proving that the Crimson Tide could maintain their dominance even in the post-Saban era.
Saban, who retired at the age of 72 following the 2023 season after 17 years at the helm of Alabama, left behind an unparalleled legacy with seven national championships. His departure left many wondering if Alabama could continue their reign at the top of college football. DeBoer has stepped into those enormous shoes, and with wins like Saturday’s, he is showing the world that Alabama football is still a force to be reckoned with.
Griffin also praised the game itself, calling it one of the best he has ever watched. “Alabama and Georgia deserve a standing ovation. That game DELIVERED,” Griffin added in another tweet.
Looking ahead, Alabama will aim to continue their undefeated streak as they head on the road in Week 6 to face Vanderbilt (2-2). DeBoer’s Tide will be looking to prove that their momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.