Alabama’s defense shut down Georgia for about three quarters on Saturday night. After allowing an opening-drive touchdown, the Tide managed to keep the Bulldogs off schedule and limit UGA’s explosive weapons. That task became a little harder during the third quarter when Kool-Aid McKinstry entered concussion protocol.

Play was stopped about midway through the frame after the Tide defensive back fell on the field. He was tended to by trainers and spent a few minutes in the medical tent. After Georgia made a field goal to cut UA’s lead to a touchdown, McKinstry was escorted into the locker room.

“We’ll figure out how bad it is, how long it takes, when he’ll be clear,” Saban said after the Tide’s 27-24 win. “All the testing mechanisms that we have right now I think are really beneficial to players not getting multiple concussions. Our medical staff has always done a really good job of protecting the players when these things occur.”

McKinstry made two tackles, including one for a loss. He also broke up a pass in the first half and nearly intercepted UGA quarterback Carson Beck. The ball was tipped near the goal line and away from tight end Brock Bowers, who was held mostly in check with five catches (eight targets) for a team-high 53 yards.

With McKinstry sidelined, more snaps went to Louisana-Lafayette transfer Trey Amos, who appeared on the boundary. Veteran Kristian Story slid in at safety in the nickel package. Both had interceptions bounce off their hands. Beck completed 21 of 21 attempts for 243 yards, his second-lowest single-game output this season.

“The first drive, we were sort of out of sorts. We settled down and played pretty well,” Saban said. “We gave up the one big play over on their sidelines, which led to a field goal. … I thought they did a pretty good job. I think Georgia has a really good quarterback and really good skill guys. I thought they did a pretty good job of limiting their big plays.”

McKinstry was on the field and in the locker room for Alabama’s postgame celebration. He had taken off his pads but was still wearing his ‘No. 1′ jersey. The Tide will learn its College Football Playoff future tomorrow at 11 a.m. on ESPN.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].