Alabama Linebacker Deontae Lawson after SEC Championship: "We Just Made Our Statement"

ATLANTA — Business handled.

On Saturday, No. 8 Alabama defeated No. 1 Georgia 27-24 in yet another instant SEC Championship game classic, as Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide held off the Bulldogs' fourth quarter rally to capture their 34th conference title. 

With the victory, Alabama's College Football Playoff hopes received a significant boost, as the Crimson Tide's national championship odds now stand at a robust +300 — second highest nationally. 

For Kirby Smart and Georgia, the Bulldogs could potentially be on the outside looking in — now possessing the sixth best odds to win the title at +5000. 

For Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson, who tallied four tackles in the Crimson Tide's playoff-shaking victory, the reality is simple — Alabama should be in. 

“I think we just made our statement," Lawson said after the game. "That’s the No. 1 team in the country. We just snapped their 29-game win streak. That’s our statement right there.”

When asked what his specific pitch to the playoff committee would be, Lawson doubled-down — citing that the Crimson Tide's work on the field speaks for itself. 

"I think that's the case we needed to make," Lawson said. "I don't feel like nothing I said can change the factor, or change the outcome, but we just showed you."

As Alabama awaits their playoff fate, Lawson believes the Crimson Tide have plenty to be proud of in any situation — lauding their toughness. 

"This is probably the most resilient group I've ever been a part of," Lawson said. "Nobody has any doubt. We're just together. That's signs of a great team, and I think we're a great team." 

Lawson, who's battled through an injury-plagued junior season, knows Saturday's victory is extra special — in a personal sense, and for the team.

"It means everything," Lawson said. "Especially with what this team has been through this season. We been through it. We've battled adversity and to be SEC champs means the world."

See More: