Kalen DeBoer reacts to game-winning interception by Zabien Brown

Kalen DeBoer is not afraid of playing his young guys in his first season at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide needed 2 young stars to deliver in the clutch.

First, it was freshman phenom Ryan Williams who saved Alabama’s game with a breath-taking touchdown from 75 yards out. That gave Alabama the 41-34 lead after it had squandered a 28-point cushion vs. Georgia, but the game was not finished yet.

The Bulldogs, rallying behind a resilient effort from Carson Beck, drove down the field and inside the red zone in the final minutes. However, Zabien Brown stepped up in the moment.

With Beck taking a shot toward the corner of the end zone, Brown made a great read and broke on the ball. It was a textbook play and a game-sealing interception for the 5-star freshman from California.

Immediately after the game, DeBoer said he knew it was only a matter of time until Brown got a pick. Fortunately, the first of Brown’s career came at the clutchest of moments.

“I know he’s a smart guy and sooner or later, he was going to read what was going on and make a play. Young guy, he’s only going to continue to get better,” praised DeBoer. “He’s a heck of a player.”

Brown’s interception was the last of the game, but it was the 3rd thrown by Beck on the evening. Overall, Alabama registered 4 takeaways and a +3 margin in turnover differential, something that proved to be a key to this game.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.