The whole thing had gone to hell in a houndstooth handbasket for the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide. This glorious, dominant demolition of the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs had gradually, incomprehensibly evaporated—a 28-point lead gone, replaced by a stunning 34–33 deficit with 2:31 left to play. A rout had become an instant classic, to the dismay of the home fans.
With Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., devolving from euphoria to terror, there was only one thing for Crimson Tide to do: chuck it deep to the youngest player on the field.
