After tying the game, Alabama had a chance to win at the end of regulation, but a 36-yard field goal attempt by Andy Pappanastos missed wide left. In Georgia’s first try in overtime, a sack of Fromm led to Rodrigo Blankenship having to attempt a field goal from 51 yards. The steady kicker for the Bulldogs crushed the kick, putting the Bulldogs temporarily on top 23-20.

Alabama had one more chance. Tagovailoa was sacked by Georgia’s Jonathan Ledbetter and Davin Bellamy for a loss of 16 yards on Alabama’s first play in overtime. But he found Smith sprinting past the Bulldogs’ secondary on the next play and hit him with a perfect pass for the touchdown and the victory.

After the game, Saban was asked about the winning throw.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Saban said. “I knew we were running Seattle, which is four streaks and when I saw Smitty come open on the other side and Tua threw it, I said ‘This is it.’”

Georgia’s rushing attack, which had been so devastating against Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, was not nearly as effective this time around, rushing for 133 yards against Alabama’s stout front-seven.

The national championship is Alabama’s 17th, while Georgia is still seeking the team’s second title after having won it all in 1980.