Georgia Outlasts Alabama for First Tuscaloosa Victory Since 2007

Ending the Tuscaloosa Drought

Georgia earned a rare road victory against Alabama on Saturday night, edging the Crimson Tide 20-17 in Tuscaloosa. The victory gave coach Kirby Smart his first regular season win against Alabama. It was also the program's first win at Bryant-Denny Stadium since Matthew Stafford threw an overtime touchdown pass back in 2007.

Smart celebrated on the field with his wife, Mary Beth, and his son, Andrew, before heading over to celebrate with several hundred traveling Georgia supporters. Smart worked as Alabama's defensive coordinator for eight seasons under Nick Saban and helped them win four national titles. He stated after the game that he has huge respect for Alabama and coach Kalen DeBoer.

The second ranked Bulldogs will likely take over the top ranking in the country. Top ranked Texas fell to Oklahoma 27-24 earlier on Saturday, opening the door for Georgia.

Late Stops and Big Plays

Peyton Woodring provided the winning margin with a 23 yard field goal with 5:25 left on the clock. Woodring had missed a 39 yard kick earlier, but he delivered when Georgia needed the points.

Alabama marched down to the Georgia 34 yard line on the following drive. On second down, quarterback Keelon Russell threw deep toward receiver Rico Scott, but safety KJ Bolden knocked the pass away. Bolden and Valdin Sone followed that with a nine yard sack on third down. That stop pushed Alabama out of field goal range and forced a punt with 3:10 remaining.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton then went to work to seal the result. Facing a third down and seven from his own 10 yard line, Stockton connected with tight end Elyiss Williams on a 17 yard pass. Alabama cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. drew a personal foul penalty two plays later, allowing Georgia to run out the clock.

Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding a 14 yard touchdown run. Running back Dwight Phillips Jr. stepped up for injured teammates Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, rushing for 120 yards on 17 carries.

What it means for the next game

Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Volunteers (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): Tennessee Volunteers win 31%, Alabama Crimson Tide win 69%; projected score Tennessee Volunteers 25, Alabama Crimson Tide 31. Our safest pick: Alabama to win.

Auburn Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): Georgia Bulldogs win 87%, Auburn Tigers win 13%; projected score Georgia Bulldogs 34, Auburn Tigers 16. Our safest pick: Over 39.5 points.