Although the first half of the SEC Championship Game started slow, it started to heat up in the second quarter.

Georgia jumped out to the quick 10-0 lead, and Alabama looked overmatched at times. However, thanks to Bryce Young, the Tide came roaring back to take the lead 17-10 in the second quarter. Georgia tied the game just before halftime 17-17 on Ladd McConkey’s 32-yard touchdown reception, and then, Young gave Alabama the 24-17 lead with 26 seconds left until halftime.

Below are some quick first half takeaways for Alabama vs. Georgia:

  • Bryce Young is the best player on the field, regardless of the SEC Championship Game outcome. Young finished the first half 17-of-27 for 286 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added the rushing touchdown just before halftime. The pitch play to Brian Robinson for the first down was simply incredible. It kept the drive alive, and Young threw a touchdown pass on the next play.
  • Alabama missed an easy pick-6 on Georgia’s first possession, or the halftime score could be worse. Jordan Battle would have housed the Stetson Bennett interception; however, Battle dropped the pick.
  • Georgia had some success running on Alabama’s Nickel defense. The reason the Tide are playing more Nickel is due to the Bulldogs’ tight end Brock Bowers and his dynamic ability. So, UGA figures they run — and did with some success — on Alabama’s defense. Last year, Georgia ran the ball well against Alabama despite Stetson Bennett’s 3 interceptions. Although the first half numbers don’t show it — UGA rushed for 52 yards as a team, the Bulldogs moved it on the ground in the first half.
  • Georgia wide receiver George Pickens came up huge late in the first quarter with his 37-yard reception. Georgia ended up scoring a touchdown to take the 10-0 lead, thanks to the 97-yard touchdown drive. It’s good to see Pickens back and making plays.
  • Jameson Williams has to touch the football more in the second half, as his blazing 67-yard touchdown early in the second quarter finally got Alabama on the scoreboard. Later in the second quarter, Williams had another 10-yard burst for a first down. Williams has to touch it 10 times at a minimum in the second half. He’s a game-breaker on every touch.
  • The Georgia touchdown drive before halftime featured 4 penalties on 4 straight plays. Stetson Bennett hit Ladd McConkey on the 32-yard touchdown pass. Bennett has played well, and he finished 11-of-16 for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half.
  • Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken called incredible games in the first half.