Postgame Handshake Between Kalen DeBoer, Kirby Smart Is Turning Heads
No. 4 Alabama survived a late challenge by No. 2 Georgia on Saturday night in what turned out to be a compelling battle between two unrelenting sides. In the end, however, it was the Crimson Tide who escaped with a hard-fought 41-34 victory to maintain their undefeated record this season.
New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer recorded his fourth win in four games since taking over the helm at the beginning of the season, replacing the greatest to ever do it, Nick Saban.
This was the Crimson Tide's toughest test to date this season, and DeBoer passed quite impressively.
After the game, cameras caught a post-game exchange between DeBoer and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. The latter was filmed jogging on the field as he headed toward DeBoer shortly after the game had ended.
The pair, who were both surrounded by security, exchanged pleasantries after a tough duel as both coaches showed their respect for their opponent.
The video, which was posted by AL.com on X (formerly Twitter) is, unsurprisingly, already turning heads. It hasn't even been an hour since it was posted, and already, the 15-second clip has already been viewed over 12,000 times (as of writing).
It was the heroics of freshmen Ryan Williams and Zabien Brown who spared Alabama and DeBoer's blushes in this one. Williams scored an incredible 75-yard touchdown deep in the fourth quarter to restore Alabama's lead to 41-34. This is after they squandered a 28-point advantage to Georgia, who nearly pulled off a massive come-from-behind victory.
Brown, however, sealed the game with an end zone interception in the final minute of the game after an impressive Carson Beck-led final drive from Georgia.
Alabama has been Smart's biggest hurdle since leaving Tuscaloosa to take a job at his alma mater. Since coming to UGA in 2016, Smart is 1-6 against Alabama, including 1-5 against Saban. Smart's lone win, though, came in the 2022 national title game, when UGA won 33-18.
Saban's retirement felt like a weight was lifted off Georgia fans' shoulders-that is, until Saturday night happened.
Alabama will now look to keep their record unblemished when they return to action on Sunday against Vanderbilt.
Related: Two Words Haunted College Football Fans On Saturday NightThis story was originally published September 28, 2024, 9:55 PM.
