By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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What a finish for Young. Iron to bronze, his mettle was on full display.

On a day where Alabama nearly lost the Iron Bowl, in a game where the Crimson Tide didn’t have a point until midway through the fourth quarter and didn’t have a touchdown until less than 30 seconds to play, Bryce Young very likely won the Heisman Trophy.

Many players have a Heisman moment. Young had a full minute-and-change. In a now-iconic 12-play, 97-yard game-tying drive that spanned the length of the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the California-native also spanned generations, going a long way towards becoming the first-ever Alabama quarterback to win the most famed individual trophy in all of sports. With each yard, Young moved closer and closer to history.

The scene, for Young, was one fit for the bright lights. It should have come with a script. It, almost certainly, will come with a speech.

Young, starting at his own 3-yard line, promptly drove the Crimson Tide the length of the field in one of college football’s most hostile environments in one of college football’s most high-profile games, converting one fourth down and three third downs, finding Ja’Corey Brooks for a 28-yard touchdown strike that ultimately tied the game at ten with just 23 seconds remaining. It was a signature play for Young. Throwing for it all with perfect timing and precision, he hit Brooks in-stride on the near-side of the Auburn endzone.

Before Alabama and Auburn went into overtime for the first-time ever, there was already a highlight to remember. It was the most important throw of Young’s career.

In extra-time, Young was extraordinary. He threw a six-yard touchdown strike to Slade Bolden to open bonus play, then, after the two teams traded field goals before corresponding two-point conversion attempts began, found John Metchie III for a score in the third overtime. Young, after Auburn’s failed try, went right back to Metchie for the dramatic game-winner. With the pressure on, Young took charge, only improving as the moments became more critical. His decisiveness down the stretch was the difference.

Young did much of his work without the SEC’s leading receiver as Jameson Williams was ejected earlier due to targeting. By the end of the game, Young had found Metchie 13 times for 150 yards and the two overtime scores. Struggling for consistency for much of the afternoon, Young, resilient and poised, finished with 317 yards, two touchdowns and the two conversions. Simply put, he was at his best when it mattered most.

What a game between Alabama and Auburn. What a finish for Young. Iron to bronze, his mettle was on full display. It was a timeless performance for the Crimson Tide’s star quarterback, one that should come with a trophy.