Kadyn Proctor: “I was honestly thinking for the touchdown”

ATHENS, Ga. - When Alabama pulled off the 24-21 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in Samford Stadium on Saturday, many were shocked. One of the most notable aspects of the game was how the Crimson Tide used unexpected plays to disrupt Georgia's game plan.

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The offensive line, particularly third-year lineman Kadyn Proctor, played a significant role. With under a minute remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Ty Simpson delivered a pass to Proctor, who rushed for 11 yards in one of the game's most unusual plays. This unconventional tactic contributed to Alabama's strategy.

"I was honestly thinking for the touchdown, but anything before that, I had talked to Ryan [Williams], and he said, 'no moment is too big for you.' So I'm just doing what we practiced and try to execute to the best of my ability. 'Gotta finish with a touchdown' was all that was running through my mind," Proctor said following the game.

Proctor mentioned that he hadn't carried a football since his junior year of high school and that Saturday's carry was a chance to "knock the dust off."

The play was intentional, having been practiced during the week. "We've been practicing, and it's been a good play for us this week," Proctor said. Against a team like Georgia, which had a 33-game home winning streak, executing unexpected plays was crucial.

Following Alabama's season-opening loss to Florida State, the Crimson Tide faced considerable doubt, despite improvements in Weeks 2 and 3. The offensive line received particular criticism after the Tallahassee loss but has since improved and taken accountability.

"We started off slow, and we've fixed that since, so we have to keep it rolling," Proctor said. He used the criticism after the Seminoles loss to fuel his growth, critiquing his own performance. "I didn't play good at all against Florida State. I got people talking about how I'm not playing to the level of my ability, and I knew that I took that to heart. I just had to do my 1/11 and do my job, and everybody else has to do their job, too," said Proctor.

The Crimson Tide did their job and more on Saturday to snap the Bulldogs' 33-game home winning streak. Despite the narrow win, it was ultimately strategy, team effort, and execution that led the Crimson Tide to victory.