The stakes couldn’t be higher for Kalen DeBoer as he makes his debut in the SEC with Alabama, leading the No. 4 Crimson Tide against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. In a prime-time showdown, Alabamahttps://americannewspulse.com/georgia-bulldogs-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-a-crucial-sec-showdown/ will host Georgia in Tuscaloosa at Nick Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Both teams come into this matchup with perfect 3-0 records, but this SEC rivalry game has significant implications, especially with the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) format. The winner will be in prime position for a postseason run.
Last Year’s SEC Championship Rematch
The Crimson Tide, then coached by Nick Saban, triumphed over Georgia 27-24 in last season’s SEC Championship Game. That loss knocked the Bulldogs out of CFP contention, while Alabama went on to face Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
With a 12-team CFP this season, both Alabama and Georgia will be gunning for a critical win. DeBoer will be eager to replicate Saban’s success, while Kirby Smart and Georgia seek redemption from last year’s defeat.
Live Game Updates and Score
Here are the live updates, scores, and key moments as this top-five SEC clash unfolds:
| Teams | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 0 | 7 | ― | ― | ― |
| Alabama | 21 | 9 | ― | ― | ― |
Second Quarter Update: Alabama Dominates 30-7
At 9:20 p.m., despite a turnover by Jalen Milroe, Alabama extended its lead to 30-7 after forcing a safety on an intentional grounding penalty by Georgia’s quarterback Carson Beck. Georgia’s Dan Jackson had previously intercepted a deflected pass from Milroe, but the Bulldogs failed to capitalize on the turnover.
First Half Highlights
- Jihaad Campbell’s Interception: On the very first play after Georgia’s turnover on downs, Alabama’s linebacker Jihaad Campbell picked off Carson Beck and returned the ball to Georgia’s 25-yard line. Alabama quickly regained scoring position.
- Trevor Etienne’s Touchdown for Georgia: Georgia finally responded with a much-needed touchdown from Trevor Etienne, capping off an 11-play, 75-yard drive. However, an offensive pass interference penalty erased the two-point conversion, leaving Georgia down 28-7.
- Milroe’s Rushing Dominance: Alabama’s quarterback Jalen Milroe delivered another touchdown run, extending the Crimson Tide’s lead to 28-0 after a fourth-and-1 play from the UGA 36-yard line.
End of First Quarter: Alabama 21, Georgia 0
Alabama gained 198 yards of total offense in the first quarter, compared to Georgia’s 27 yards. Carson Beck’s struggles in the passing game continued, while Jalen Milroe showcased precision, going 7 of 7 for 106 yards.
Carson Beck’s Struggles
Georgia’s quarterback Beck struggled to find his rhythm early on, completing just 2 of 7 passes for 19 yards in the first quarter. Domani Jackson intercepted one of Beck’s passes, setting up another Alabama scoring opportunity. Germie Bernard then scored on a 7-yard touchdown, giving Alabama a 21-0 lead.
Pregame Headlines and Injury Updates
- Former President Trump’s Arrival Delayed: Former President Donald Trump’s arrival was delayed at Bryant-Denny Stadium, adding to the anticipation surrounding the high-stakes game.
- Kirby Smart Booed by Alabama Fans: Alabama fans greeted Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a former assistant under Saban, with loud boos as he entered the stadium.
- Key Injuries: Alabama linebackers Qua Russaw and Jeremiah Alexander, along with running back Richard Young, were listed as game-time decisions. Georgia’s star defensive lineman Mykel Williams was also a game-time decision, while wide receiver London Humphreys was ruled out with mononucleosis.
Alabama vs Georgia Time, Channel, and Predictions
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sept. 28
- TV Channel: ABC
- Streaming: Fubo, ESPN+, ESPN App
Series History and Recent Results
- Series Record: Alabama leads 43-26-4
- Last Meeting: Dec. 2, 2023 – Alabama won 27-24 (SEC Championship Game)
- Georgia’s Last Win: Jan. 10, 2021 – 33-18 (2022 College Football Playoff Championship)
Expert Predictions
- Colin Gay (Tuscaloosa News): Georgia 27, Alabama 24 – Gay believes DeBoer’s Alabama squad will face a tough defensive challenge from Georgia.
- Brad Crawford (247 Sports): Alabama 30, Georgia 29 – Crawford predicts a tight contest but trusts Alabama to edge out the Bulldogs in the end.
Betting Odds and Injuries
- Spread: Georgia (-1.5)
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Key Injuries:
- Alabama: RB Richard Young, LB Qua Russaw, LB Jeremiah Alexander (Probable)
- Georgia: DL Warren Brinson (ankle), WR London Humphreys (Out)
Conclusion
With so much on the line, Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama coaching debut in the SEC is off to a dominant start. As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on Milroe and Beck as they lead their respective teams in this high-stakes SEC showdown.