Florida thought it had a game-changing play in the SEC Championship game against Alabama on Saturday night … until Bama’s John Metchie had one of the hits of the year and flipped the game right back on its head.
The play happened during the first quarter with the score tied at seven. Alabama was driving when quarterback Mac Jones threw a pass over the middle that was ripped out of the receiver’s hands by Florida DB Trey Dean III.
It was an incredible play by Dean, though for him, one that sadly couldn’t be celebrated. For after the pick, Dean started running back up the field … before getting absolutely leveled by Alabama wide receiver John Metchie.
The hit was intense (and clean) and the ball popped loose, which was recovered by Alabama’s DeVonta Smith. The Crimson Tide scored on the next play.
Here’s the full play that led to the hit:
John Metchie and DeVonta Smith coming up with new ways to help Alabama. pic.twitter.com/GdYUixSQZb
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 20, 2020
Another angle. Woof.
John Metchie can be an emergency linebacker after this. pic.twitter.com/cqu06cD87F
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) December 20, 2020
The hit was huge, but the timing couldn’t have been better for Alabama. What looked like a bad turnover in a tie game was, just a play later, a touchdown for Alabama.
Alabama goes into the half leading 35-17.
