Chris Fowler’s call of Georgia-Alabama thriller was superb

While it looked for a long time like it would be one of the most disappointing college football games in recent memory, Saturday night’s game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama turned out to be a classic.

Chris Fowler, who called the game on ABC, was more than up to the task.

The game will best be remembered for its electrifying final minutes. The Bulldogs trailed 28-0 in the second quarter and 30-7 at halftime. But as the second half progressed, Georgia chipped away at Alabama’s seemingly insurmountable lead. After forcing a punt late in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs found themselves with the ball and trailing by only five points with 2:42 remaining. But while Georgia had plenty of time, it didn’t use it. The Bulldogs went for the quick strike when Carson Beck threw a deep ball to Dillon Bell. And — as Fowler narrated — it paid off.

“You don’t need to play urgently here,” Fowler said. “But he’s looking to throw — DOWNFIELD. HAS A MAN WIDE OPEN. DILLON BELL’S GOT IT. A FOOT RACE.”

While it looked like Bell would be brought down, he broke the tackle of Keon Sabb.

“SPINS FREE AND SCORES,” he exclaimed. “GEORGIA HAS THE LEAD — 67 YARDS. THIS PLACE IS STUNNED AND SILENT, except for the Georgia section.”

The stunned silence at Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium would not last long. Because on the first play of their ensuing drive, the Tide went deep. Quarterback Jalen Milroe threw a to Ryan Williams, Alabama’s phenom receiver. The freshman hauled Milroe’s pass in and handled the rest.

Once again, Fowler nailed the call.

“There was a lot of calm and command from Milroe at the start of this game — he’s got to have it right now,” Fowler said. “And they take a downfield shot. AND THE CATCH IS MADE. IT’S RYAN WILLIAMS. STILL SPINNING FREE. “TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA. THEY ANSWER IN ONE PLAY — 75 YARDS. THE 17-YEAR-OLD. ARE YOU KIDDING US.”

The quick touchdown exchange netted Alabama two points. Both teams went for two after their touchdowns. The Bulldogs missed theirs while the Tide converted theirs to go up seven points.

Still, the rapid exchange of touchdowns left Georgia plenty of time to respond and either force overtime or potentially win the game. But before the final possession played out, Fowler mentioned his next assignment, which will be a game between the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins as part of the Monday Night Football doubleheader.

Fowler was not optimistic about that game matching the excitement of Georgia and Alabama.

With that out of the way, the focus went to the end of the game in Tuscaloosa.

The Bulldogs moved the ball down the field and faced a first-and-10 from the Alabama 20 with 49 seconds remaining. Georgia once again went for the big play. Only this time, it didn’t quite pan out.

“Beck. Launches for the end zone,” Fowler said. Jump ball — INTERCEPTED. AND ZABIEN BROWN, THE FRESHMAN, MAKES A GAME-SAVING PLAY FOR ALABAMA.”

The audio then cut out, likely to censor the cursing picked up by a hot mic. When sound returned, Fowler lauded Brown for “stepping up in a massive way four games into your college football career.”

Fowler was on the receiving end of a lot of praise and admiration for his calls during Saturday’s instant classic.

[Photo Credit: ABC]

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