Todd Kirkland is a photographer.
It wasn't supposed to be that easy. It couldn't be. Georgia allowed 83 points during the regular season. After Alabama struggled to score in the Iron Bowl, it's not likely that they'll do it again.
We thought this was the moment for the team. This felt like a potential change of the guard after watching the Tide dominate the SEC over the past decade.
The quarterback came out and destroyed the notion.
He torched a defense that many, including the individual on the other end of this keyboard, had labeled as one of the best ever. He secured a spot in the College Football Playoff by winning the Heisman.
Nick Saban's group once again solidified itself as college football's most menacing team after a 41-24 win over Georgia.
There is no other place to start. The sophomore quarterback delivered his best game of the year, but given the stakes and the competition, one could argue it's one of the best games a quarterback has played in recent memory.
It didn't take long to know what the night would be like. The first half of the SEC Championship Game saw Young set a record with 286 passing yards. You might as well be used to it.
Georgia allowed more than 300 yards passing in only one full game this year.
Tennessee, you're doing well.
Young finished with This was the SEC Championship Game record. Considering how dominant Georgia was during the regular season, it's remarkable that he scored four touchdown.
Kevin C. Cox is a photographer.
His deep throws were on point. His timing was perfect. His legs were once again a factor.
Young's ability to escape Georgia's pressure allowed for his wide receiver to get open. Young's 40 rushing yards were important because he likes to run down the field.
And his 423 passing yards? You guessed it. This was the SEC Championship Game record.
Young did enough in the final 30 minutes to move the offense after John Metchie III left the game with an injury.
The Alabama offensive line looked better this weekend after struggling against the Tigers. The output was possible because it kept Young clean.
It's pretty clear what will happen next. Young will win the award next weekend.
The voting probably won't be close because of the magnitude of this performance. Young has scored 46 total touchdown and has thrown only four picks.
His numbers were already good. The performance pushed the already compelling resume over the top.
He had a brilliant year that felt like it wasn't getting the appreciation it deserved. We are numb to the fact that Alabama had success last season with Mac Jones at quarterback and DeVonta Smith at wide receiver.
None of that matters at this point. Young did everything necessary and more, and he will take the award in hand next weekend.
Todd Kirkland is a photographer.
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee made a compelling case for Alabama to be the top seed when the field is announced on Sunday.
This felt in doubt going into Saturday. Georgia was thought to be the better team and the likely victor in the latest game. That wasn't the case.
The guys wanted more respect, according to the coach. You guys gave us a lot of positive rat poison, not just the fact that they were underdogs. The poison you give us is fatal. This rat poison you gave us was delicious.
Forget about making the final four. The conversation is over. The Tide needed a win to get into the playoffs. It will be official on Sunday, but it seems like a formality now.
Winning the SEC and making the playoffs has become routine at Alabama. The expectation is that it is no longer the hope.
That can't take away from what Young did. No matter what happens next, this performance should carry on.
This still feels like an outlier, despite all the praise and individual brilliance.
Alabama's natural excellence is not limited to the fact that the defense has largely been a brick wall.
The stakes were high. In 60 minutes of football, Young put the Tide in a position to conquer the sport again, while positioning himself to win one of the most coveted awards in all of sports.
The work is not done. Alabama and Young won't be satisfied with individual awards and access to a four-team playoff. They are just getting started.
Young's Saturday will be remembered. He had everything to lose and everything to gain. Alabama might be used to this kind of game, but it never gets old.
