No. 8 Alabama has officially sent the College Football Playoff into chaos with its upset win over No. 1 Georgia in the SEC championship.
Leading the way for the Crimson Tide was quarterback Jalen Milroe, who finished Saturday's game with 192 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as a few massive plays made with his feet.
But it's possible Milroe's most important play of the game was one he completely improvised.
Halfway through the fourth quarter, Alabama had the ball and a 20–17 lead over the Bulldogs. Facing third-and-2 just outside the red zone, the pocket collapsed around Milroe, and he was forced to step up an away from trouble. Before he was swallowed up, Milroe was able to lob a shovel pass to wide receiver Isaiah Bond to pick up the first down.
The shovel pass! pic.twitter.com/WwK7kp7Qt5
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 3, 2023
The Crimson Tide would cap the drive off with a touchdown to extend their lead to 27–17 with just over five minutes to play.
Fans were astounded by Milroe's play, which brought to mind some of the best moments of improvisation that Patrick Mahomes has pulled off in the NFL.
Milroe shovel passing like he’s Patrick Mahomes?!?!? Stop the count!! This game is over
— Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) December 3, 2023
If Mahomes would have thrown that shovel pass like Milroe just did the commentators would have lost their minds! #SECChampionship
— Rod Gambles (@RodGambles) December 3, 2023
Magician Milroe, with a shovel pass for first down. Wow.
— Nick Scroggins (@nscrogg9) December 3, 2023
Jalen Milroe with his best Pat Mahomes impression 🔥#RollTide
— The SEC Scoop (@TheSECScoop) December 3, 2023
pic.twitter.com/nhzbi6ClRr
Omg Jaylen Milroe. That was Mahomes-esque.
— Brian Murphy (@bmurph13) December 3, 2023
Alabama held on to win the game 27–24, and the Crimson Tide’s postseason fate now lies in the hands of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
