TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – It wasn’t merely about Alabama’s championships. It was more about their aura of invincibility.

Under Nick Saban, Alabama established itself as a powerhouse in college football, making opponents tremble at the very thought of facing them.

Take Saban’s last championship squad from 2020, which had unmatched confidence and explosive talent. That team demolished opponents en route to an undefeated season.

However, the era of dominance came to an end. Alabama’s extraordinary run faded as Georgia rose to prominence.

Throughout Saban’s later years, Alabama remained relevant but lost its grip on the top spot. Texas took a hefty blow to Alabama’s status last year at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

On Saturday night, Alabama made significant strides towards reclaiming its former glory. The No. 4 Crimson Tide dominated No. 1 Georgia for most of the game, ultimately winning 41-34.

Fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium celebrated their team’s resurgence.

What does this victory signify?

“I think it shows we’re the best team in the country,” Alabama tight end CJ Dippre told me after securing Alabama’s second consecutive victory over Georgia. “This was the biggest game of the season so far, and we emerged victorious.”

Additionally, there’s something else.

Alabama has its sights set on Texas.

Dippre certainly does. He’s eager to seek revenge for Alabama’s 34-24 defeat to the Longhorns last September, which set Texas on a playoff path.

“I really hope we get another chance to play them,” Dippre expressed, “especially since they beat us at home last year.”

Alabama might have that opportunity. While the teams won’t face each other during the regular season, they are on a collision course for the SEC championship game – provided Tennessee doesn’t disrupt that possibility by beating Alabama next month.

Georgia, on the other hand, can’t afford to be thinking about Atlanta after this defeat. They will need external help to reach there. The Bulldogs might struggle even to secure a playoff spot.

Coach Kirby Smart didn’t panic. He cited the team’s four turnovers as a key factor in the loss. Yet, Georgia’s struggles extend beyond this game; they barely beat Kentucky by one point beforehand.

Smart seemed at a loss when explaining his 1-6 record against Alabama.

“I don’t know, what is everyone else’s record against them?” Smart remarked. “Has anyone recorded a better record than 1-6 against them (with that many games played)? I doubt it.”

That sounds like a coach resigned to losing against Alabama – or at least one who’s become accustomed to it.

“They have great players,” Smart acknowledged.

Smart has great players too, but they were dominated for much of the game.

Georgia trailed 33-15 with under 10 minutes left before scoring three touchdowns in rapid succession to take an unexpected lead.

“The scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story,” Dippre commented. “It was (30-7).”

And just like that, it changed dramatically.

Thanks to quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Ryan Williams, Alabama’s celebration didn’t turn into despair. The Crimson Tide could finally breathe easy after Zabien Brown intercepted Carson Beck in the end zone with under a minute remaining. Beck was involved in all four of Georgia’s turnovers.

Alabama’s near collapse and Georgia’s impressive 519 total yards were signs that it might be a blessing Texas isn’t their next opponent.

“We definitely could have performed much better on both sides of the ball,” Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell admitted.

It wasn’t flawless, but it was sufficient for one night.

Alabama knocked Georgia off its pedestal and set a path that may still lead to that rematch with Texas that Dippre longs for.