SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: GEORGIA VS ALABAMA

December 4, 2021

Slade Bolden

Alabama Crimson Tide

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Postgame Press Conference

Alabama 41, Georgia 24

Q. Will Anderson just walked out and said, "Give Bryce the Heisman after that performance." What did you think about that performance, and what did you see today out of your quarterback?

SLADE BOLDEN: Just Bryce Young, that's who I saw. The person that I've always known he would be, and he did what we all expected him to be, and that was Bryce Young. You all saw it. That's Bryce Young.

Q. How crucial was the offensive line's performance today, just especially coming off of a tough week and playing against Georgia's defensive front. How impressed were you with them?

SLADE BOLDEN: You know, we trust those guys. We love them, we trust them no matter what. They've been through adversity. They've had some tough times, tough games. I couldn't be more proud of them and the way they played because without them we can't operate. So everything starts with them. I'm just very thankful and proud of them.

Q. The running game, there was some questions going into this one. What does it say about Brian Robinson just sticking through that injury and keeping the defense honest for Georgia?

SLADE BOLDEN: Just one word, man, he's a warrior. He's fought like that all year, been banged up some, and he just bounced back and just rehabbed right, practiced, do whatever he's had to do to make sure he's ready for this game.

I'm just happy and proud of him the way he played and was able to do what he do. And he was able to do what we know he can do.

Q. When Metchie got hurt, was there any sort of moment with the receivers sort of trying to come together and step up for him?

SLADE BOLDEN: Well, as much as I hated and we all hated Metchie getting hurt like that, we love him, he's our brother, we always preach next man up. Because you just never know what circumstance can happen and what adversity can strike, and that's what happened.

So next man up. That's how we practice. That's how we play. That's how we just get ready, and that's what we did. Guys stepped up when we needed them to, and thankfully it worked out.

Q. Did you all get a chance to talk to him at all after the game?

SLADE BOLDEN: Yeah, oh yeah. He's smiling ear to ear. We're all happy for each other because we know the work that we've put in together as a unit, and no one understands that. By doing that, that's why we're just so close and so thankful and proud of each other.

Thank you all. Have a blessed night and Roll Tide.