On Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama was not the better team. But the Crimson Tide was close. The gap between Alabama and Georgia has narrowed significantly. The Bulldogs were somewhat more physical, but physicality was not the reason Kirby Smart finally won in Tuscaloosa.
Georgia won because of Gunner Stockton's poise and accuracy. Even when pressured, Stockton threw on-target, narrow-window darts. He was insanely accurate, completing 82% of his 22 passes. Alabama did not get to him enough. Some of that was because Stockton adeptly threw into holes in the Crimson Tide's eight-man zone coverage.
Head-to-head, Keelon Russell was not Stockton's equal. Much of that had to do with Georgia's coverage schemes and the Tide's pass protection sometimes breaking down.
Bama's defense gave up too many rushing yards, but net-adjusted, the Crimson Tide rushed for a 7.6- yard average, and the Bulldogs averaged 5.5 yards. Kane Wommack's defense could have played better, but 20 points should not beat this Alabama team.
Alabama could have won the game despite Stockton and 210 rushing yards by the Bulldogs. The 'could have' must include a 'what if' the clear, no-call pass interference by Georgia had been properly officiated.
Alabama was close but did not control all that was required
After the game, Kalen DeBoer refused to blame the loss on the call: "We can't put the game in that situation where the officials come into play, so we've just got to control the things we can control."
The game also brought good news. Alabama went toe-to-toe with probably college football's best team. The Dawgs won, but the win could be described as Georgia escaping a loss in Bryant-Denny. The Crimson Tide is a much-improved team from late last season.
Chris Low was on point with, "There will be a rematch, either SEC title game or the playoff." When the rematch comes, Gunner Stockton will not have improved. He has no room for improvement. Keelon Russell will be much-improved, and his upside is even higher than Stockton's.
Some fans will blame DeBoer and Wommack for the loss. They can capably defend themselves, but I'll add that DeBoer was impressive in the post-game, saying, "It's a fine line, and as a team there was moments there we just didn't come through." The other side of the fine line is not beyond the Crimson Tide's grasp.
Note: Game stats provided by Stat Broadcast
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