Georgia Edges Alabama on Controversial Late No-Call
Georgia beat Alabama 20-17 in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. Several disputed calls in the second half drew criticism from Alabama fans and ABC's Kirk Herbstreit.
- 2-7 was Smart's record against Alabama before Saturday, per Newsweek.
- Smart's two prior wins came in the 2022 title game and an SEC final.
- 1.5 points: Alabama's margin as the betting favorite before kickoff.
- Fans threw objects toward Georgia players exiting through the tunnel.
Why it matters: Smart has built Georgia into one of the sport's most consistent programs. Alabama had been the exception, especially in regular-season play.
- Officials overturned a third-quarter interception by Alabama linebacker QB Reese.
- Replay appeared to show contact on Alabama's final deep pass attempt.
How 14 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the story is Georgia ending its Alabama losing streak or officiating that may have decided a close game.
Center coverage, 8 sources: The center emphasized disputed officiating, fan behavior after the game, and how Alabama will respond to its first loss.
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left focused on the pregame show, where Nick Saban and Bryce Young playfully shoved Pat McAfee over his Georgia pick.
Right coverage, 4 sources: The right framed the game around Smart's regular-season record against Alabama and the GameDay shoving moment.
What’s next: Alabama travels to No. 14 Tennessee for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
- Kalen DeBoer said the loss will test his team's character.
- Will the SEC comment on the disputed calls or the objects thrown at players?
- How much will the loss affect Alabama's playoff seeding?