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The moments that defined an Alabama win were the knife-edge Auburn losses

Who is dizzy?

The morning after Alabama and Georgia played two games in one, we're left with the aftermath of a 41-34 tornado that certainly wrecked some nerves. It was easy to get caught up in the moment after Ryan Williams' magical act saved the Crimson Tide from a historic collapse.

But what does it all mean the day after?

What did we learn in Week 5 of the college football season?

The context of Alabama's marathon victory over the Bulldogs — like Auburn's third loss to cap a five-game home series — is complicated. And like Auburn's 27-21 loss to Oklahoma, turnovers are the deciding factor in even games.

Both the Crimson Tide and Georgia had moments to prove they were the best in the country. The hosts played perhaps as perfectly as possible in the first 19 minutes of football before Georgia woke up from a 28-0 slumber.

SPLIT: Alabama still owns Georgia and should be No. 1 in the polls

Then it was the Bulldogs' turn to make a statement to the playoff committee with a fast-paced comeback that was lost in Williams' dizzying footwork in the open field.

Conclusion: These were two playoff teams that played as hard as only Alabama and Georgia can. And the Crimson Tide are ahead toward Atlanta in their first division-less sprint to the SEC title game.

They learned what Alabama's offense was capable of against a Bulldog defense that didn't allow a touchdown in three games before being rolled for four on the Tide's first four drives.

Jalen Milroe was a man possessed in the first four drives that came out of the stat sheet.

  • 8 plays, 70 yards, Milroe 7-yard rushing TD
  • 6 plays, 84 yards, Jam Miller 16-yard TD catch from Milroe
  • 3 plays, 22 yards, Germie Bernard 7-yard rushing TD (after INT)
  • 6 plays, 67 yards, Milroe 36-yard rushing TD

At that point, Alabama beat Georgia 258-27 as a mercy rule felt necessary. It was honestly breathtaking. These two are addicted to playing classics, but Alabama seemed to be on another level after taking a 28-0 lead. It was more physical, more disciplined, better trained…everything.

So Georgia deserves credit for not only making this game, but almost stealing it.

The grit was on full display, converting all five attempted fourth downs.

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