Dan Lanning tells Georgia players game changed without Jameson Williams

After Alabama’s Jameson Williams suffered an injury that took him out of the game, Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning adjusted their game plan. Lanning told his defense that without Williams on the field, Alabama’s big play threat was gone and that they were going to lock them down.

Dan Lanning on Jameson Williams’ injury

“[Number] One is gone and that changes things,” said Lanning to his players on the sideline after Williams’ injury. “The only plays they’ve had are plays with [Williams] so no more excuses. Play Georgia defense and don’t give them anything.”

Lanning’s quotes reveal a small glimpse of what Georgia’s game plan was coming into the National Championship game. The emphasis on Williams and his big play capability was clearly a focus of the Bulldogs. While unfortunate, the injury certainly gave a boost to the Georgia defense’s chance of holding the Crimson Tide offense.

In one half of play, Georgia held Alabama to three field goals and no touchdowns. Their best performance of the half came after a huge reception by Cameron Latu for 61 yards that took them to Georgia’s eight-yard line. The Bulldogs buckled down and held on the goal line to force a field goal in a big win for the defense that stopped Alabama’s momentum cold.

Dan Lanning’s defense will need to capitalize on the unfortunate loss of Jameson Williams in the second half to end Georgia’s championship drought.

Alabama loses Williams to injury mid-game

Williams, a star wide receiver for the Crimson Tide, went down with a non-contact injury in the second quarter of Alabama’s national championship contest with Georgia. His injury came shortly after Alabama lost wide receiver John Metchie to a torn ACL in the SEC Championship.

Alabama scored a field goal on its first drive then punted twice — and on the fourth drive, the Crimson Tide got off to an excellent start thanks to Williams. On first-and-10 from Alabama’s own 26-yard line, quarterback Bryce Young dropped back in the pocket and found Williams wide open in the middle of the field for a big 40-yard gain. However, shortly after crossing midfield, Williams was met by a Georgia defender and appeared to buckle his knee as he made his way to the turf.

The severity of Williams’ injury remains unclear. After a short stint in the medical tent, Williams emerged and began walking on the sideline on his own power. He then went straight to the locker room with the trainers.

At the time of his injury, Williams had four receptions for 65 yards, the latter of which led all Alabama receivers.