One of the best rivalries in college football was renewed on Saturday night when Georgia took on Alabama in Tuscaloosa. As usual, the two SEC powerhouses played a classic, physical battle that came down to the wire before Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs walked away with a 20-17 win on the road.
Alabama had a chance to tie the game or take the lead late, but the officials missed what appeared to be a clear pass interference call on Georgia down near the goal line. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was absolutely livid after the no-call and was seen going off at the officials.
After the game, DeBoer took the high road when asked about the missed call, per Alex Scarborough of ESPN.
“I mean, we can't put the game in that situation where the officials come into play,” DeBoer said after the game. “And so, we just got to control the thing we can control.”
Alabama was right on the edge of field goal range when the no-call occurred, bringing up a third-and-10. Georgia fooled Keelon Russell with a safety blitz on the next snap and the sophomore quarterback took a back-breaking sack, forcing an Alabama punt.
The Crimson Tide had a chance to get a defensive stop and get the ball back on the ensuing drive, but a big third-down conversion from Gunner Stockton and a crucial penalty by cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. allowed Georgia to run the clock out and secure the victory.
Despite the loss, Saturday night made it crystal clear that Alabama and Georgia are two of the very best teams in college football, and both should have a say in the national championship race throughout the rest of the season. There is still a decent chance that the two rivals will meet again in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta a few months from now.
Alabama has another tough test ahead next week, as it will travel to Knoxville to take on No. 15 Tennessee on the road. That game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST.