Alabama rallied from a 7-0 deficit and overcame what Nick Saban called first-quarter “anxiety” to rally for a 17-7 halftime lead over No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

“We had good emotions and good momentum swing early, and then it slide the other way,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart told CBS at halftime. “Their quarterback made some good plays, and we haven’t converted on offense on third and shorts.”

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe finished the half 6 of 12 for 110 yards and two scores.

“We’ve been in this situation before,” Smart said of his Bulldogs, who have been down in seven of their eight conference games. “The team’s been in this situation before. We get the ball to start the second half. We knew that the whole time. We can be aggressive with that and come after it.”

The Tide has outgained Georgia 171 yards to 142 yards.

Saban said his Tide started slow with two three-and-outs, citing mental errors. In Alabama’s five offensive possessions, the first two were punts, followed by field goal, touchdown and touchdown.

“You just have to read it out,” Saban told CBS of Milroe, who started 0 of 4, after the first quarter. “A couple of times he had guy he just didn’t throw the ball on time. He just didn’t do it. He’s got it straightened out. A little anxiety about what’s going on.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.