Jalen Milroe, the quarterback for Alabama football, aimed to give rookie wide receiver Ryan Williams a big opportunity.

As the game clock ticked down with Alabama trailing by just one point, Milroe spotted a favorable one-on-one match-up with Williams, who had already made a stunning bobbled catch for 54 yards earlier in the game. Milroe intentionally looked the safety away and lobbed a pass toward Williams, setting him up for a potential game-changing play.

Despite being only 17 years old, Williams remained calm under pressure. He had studied the situation closely and understood what was at stake.

“He knows that four plus two equals six,” Williams stated confidently. “I know that four plus two equals six.”

Milroe wears jersey No. 4, while Williams sports No. 2—together they had figured out their winning formula.

Williams leaped over Georgia defensive back Julian Humphrey to secure the catch, maneuvered around the diving attempt from KJ Bolden, and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, putting Alabama ahead 41-34, a lead they maintained against the top-ranked Bulldogs.

“I was just focused on winning my route,” Williams said. “I knew my teammates were also putting in their effort.”

Saturday marked a significant breakthrough for Williams in the SEC. He totaled six receptions from seven targets, amassing 177 yards and a stunning 75-yard touchdown catch from Milroe. However, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer was not surprised.

DeBoer described Williams as “mature beyond his years,” noting that he was one of two freshmen instrumental in Alabama’s victory, alongside defensive back Zabien Brown, who secured the decisive interception.

“After gaining enough playing experience, not only do they believe in themselves, but we believe in them too,” DeBoer expressed. “They are dynamic players who give their all.”

DeBoer now perceives Williams as a receiver who can endure challenges. Instead of merely benefitting from easy plays against teams like Western Kentucky, South Florida, and Wisconsin, he has the potential to be the standout player that “we observed during fall camp,” DeBoer commented.

These moments prepared Williams, allowing him to remain unfazed when Milroe targeted him during the crucial stages of his early collegiate career.

“I felt an overwhelming sense of confidence,” Williams remarked. “Milroe offered me the chance, and I made it count.”

Williams’ confidence hasn’t altered his approach, according to DeBoer.

“He will return to his routine and keep the same mindset,” DeBoer noted. “That’s something our team admires in him.”

Milroe shares a similar sentiment about Williams, having connected with him on half of his touchdown passes this season. For Milroe, Williams isn’t just a player he enjoys throwing to; he believes Williams has truly earned the opportunity to shine.

“With Ryan on the field,” Milroe said, “we have a notable one-on-one advantage.”