When national championship game

Bennett knew he had a free play as Alabama's defense jumped offsides, and he certainly took advantage with a throw that has quickly rewritten the script in this back-and-forth drama. Georgia went for two and failed to convert, leaving the National Championship game as a one-point affair in the fourth quarter.

Alabama took over inside the Georgia Red Zone after a wild fumble recovery by the Crimson Tide defense. A roughing the passer penalty on Georgia set up Alabama with first and goal at the six-yard line.

On third and goal, Bryce Young completed a pass to tight end Cameron Latu in the end zone for the touchdown, regaining the lead for Alabama. The Tide failed on the two-point conversion. They now lead in the fourth quarter.

The momentum has shifted in Indianapolis following a bizarre - and costly - turnover by Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. Pressured out of the pocket, the Bulldogs signal-caller was unable to throw the ball away, as the pigskin slipped out of his hand and bounced precariously toward the sideline.

Jogging casually, Alabama's Brian Branch corralled the football, and unknowingly kept his front foot in bounds despite thinking it was a dead ball. The game's officials initially ruled the play a fumble, a call that was upheld after further review, giving the Crimson Tide possession in the Red Zone. After Georgia found the end zone for the first time tonight, on the next drive, Alabama came up short and had to settle for yet another field goal.

Bryce Young completed a yard pass to wide receiver Agiye Hall to get Alabama to the Georgia five-yard line. But the Tide couldn't push it in for the score. It's now Georgia 13, Alabama 12 in the fourth quarter. ET, January 11, Sort by Latest Oldest Dropdown arrow. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and defensive back Lewis Cine celebrate after the win. Stetson Bennett kisses his team's trophy after Monday night's win. Listen below and subscribe to the Cover 3 podcast where we give an extensive breakdown of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Alabama's back was against the wall when these teams met on Dec. The Crimson Tide turned in a second quarter for the ages and raced to a victory that de-legitimized Georgia's accomplishments during a dominant regular season. The nature of that loss -- with the Crimson Tide dissecting UGA's celebrated defense -- will motivate the Bulldogs, who will use what they learned to play much better defensively in the rematch.

This time, it's Georgia playing with a chip on its shoulder, and that will show as the Bulldogs finally breakthrough for the program's first national championship in over four decades. Pick: Georgia By David Cobb. Jan 10, at pm ET 3 min read. Getty Images. Featured Game Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Bulldogs. Potential No. Watch Now:. Alabama gets lucky with crucial fourth-quarter turnover Shehan Jeyarajah 1 min read. Accountability for season predictions Barrett Sallee 4 min read.

Georgia leads our final rankings Chip Patterson 4 min read. Top storylines from wild season Dennis Dodd 7 min read. Projected No. Georgia, Alabama lead national championship odds Shehan Jeyarajah 3 min read.

AP Top 25 poll: Georgia No. Alabama, Ohio St.