‘We Definitely Feel Like We Should’ve Won': Pritchett on Georgia Loss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Following Alabama's 20-17 loss to Georgia on Saturday, sophomore tight end Marshall Pritchett reflected on his second-quarter touchdown reception, the Crimson Tide's frustration after the defeat and his confidence in quarterback Keelon Russell moving forward.

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Pritchett finished the game with two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. His score came on a 22-yard pass at the 5:49 mark of the second quarter. On the play, Pritchett faked a curl route before breaking down the hashes, where redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell found him wide open. Pritchett strolled into the end zone untouched, giving Alabama its first score of the night and cutting Georgia’s lead to 10-7.

Pritchett explained what he saw on the play that resulted in his first touchdown reception of the season.

“Kinda just got the best look possible; the end dropped right when I saw the end drop, I knew what was gonna happen,” Pritchett said. “Midpointed the corner, you know, quick eyes, and the ball came my way.” 

Pritchett also addressed the mood inside Alabama's locker room following the loss. The Crimson Tide had an opportunity to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but a controversial no-call on a potential pass interference penalty against Rico Scott, followed by a sack and a late unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, helped Georgia preserve its three-point advantage.

“It's a horrible feeling to lose any game, but to lose a game we definitely feel like we should've won is not heartbreaking because I know this team and what we're capable of, and we can shake back from this, but it definitely hurts,” Pritchett told the media. “At the end of the day, it's up to us to show up Tuesday, show up Monday, and put as much work in as possible.” 

Pritchett also discussed redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who completed 16 of 30 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 rushing yards. He also lost a costly fumble on Alabama’s opening drive when Georgia’s Joseph Jonah-Ajonye forced a strip-sack at the Georgia 30-yard line as Alabama threatened to score.

Despite Russell's struggles against Georgia, Pritchett remained confident in his quarterback's potential, going as far as to call him the best in the country.

“I think Keelon Russell is the best quarterback in the country. What is it, his sixth start? So obviously the sky's the limit, and he’s just gonna keep getting better. I mean, I love what I saw from him. I love what I see from him every game, and you know it's up to us to rally behind 12, and this isn't gonna faze him at all. I think this will be something we go back to when we're like, alright, this might've made him a stronger quarterback in the end,” Pritchett said.

The Crimson Tide will need Russell at his best next week as they travel to Knoxville to face Tennessee on the Third Saturday of October. Alabama hopes to bounce back and celebrate with victory cigars in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide coverage.