Kalen DeBoer has seemingly picked up where his predecessor, Nick Saban, left off against rival Georgia.
With Alabama football’s 24-21 victory over Kirby Smart on Saturday, Sept. 27, from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, DeBoer moves to 2-0 against the Bulldogs. Smart’s loss drops him to 1-7 all-time against the team for which he used to be a defensive coordinator.
No. 16 Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) scored all 24 of its points in the first half and relied on its defense in the second half to pull off the upset road victory. No. 3 Georgia (3-1, 1-1) drops its first game of the 2025 college football season.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson completed 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. Alabama won the game behind an ultra-efficient effort on third down, going 12 of 19 for the game, including two key conversions to run out the clock.
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While Georgia finished with 227 rushing yards, a fumble by running back Nate Fraizer in the second quarter turned out to be the final difference in the game, as it led to an Alabama field goal.
Chauncey Bowens led the Georgia rushing attack with 12 rushes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
USA TODAY brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Check it out:
Alabama vs Georgia score
Alabama vs Georgia updates
Alabama-Georgia score: Crimson Tide 24, Bulldogs 21 (Final)
Alabama-Georgia final stats
Final stats
Alabama earns second straight win over Georgia
For the second straight year, Alabama earns a win over Georgia. Kalen DeBoer is now 2-0 vs. the Bulldogs, while Kirby Smart falls to 1-7 against the Crimson Tide.
Alabama pulls off the victory despite not scoring in the second half, but holds the Georgia offense to just 21 points to pick up the victory.
Georgia punts with three minutes left in game
Georgia punts the ball on fourth-and-13 from the Georgia 45-yard line. Cole Adams calls for a fair catch at the Alabama 12-yard line.
The Crimson Tide lead 24-21 with 3:19 left in the game. If Alabama can get a couple of first downs, it has a chance to run out the clock and pull off the win.
Georgia turns ball over on downs instead of field goal
Kirby Smart opts to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Alabama 9-yard line instead of kicking the field goal to tie the game. LT Overton hit Cash Jones in the backfield for a 2-yard loss to force the turnover on downs.
End of third quarter: Alabama 24, Georgia 21
Alabama leads Georgia 24-21 entering fourth quarter
Alabama leads 24-21 heading into the fourth quarter from Athens. However, Georgia is driving, facing a second-and-6 from the Crimson Tide 23-yard line when the final quarter starts.
Georgia has not led in today’s game. The Bulldogs outgained Alabama 107-60 in the third quarter.
Talyn Taylor drops potential big play
Following Alabama’s turnover on downs, Gunner Stockton uncorks a deep ball to Talyn Taylor on the second play of the drive. The freshman receiver, however, could not come up with the catch that would have put the Bulldogs in the red zone.
Instead, Georgia punts the ball away. Alabama starts on its own 8-yard line with 2:52 left in the third quarter.
Georgia forces Alabama turnover on downs
Quintavius Johnson tackles Ty Simpson for a 2-yard loss on fourth-and-1 to force an Alabama turnover on downs at the Georgia 49-yard line. The Bulldogs have the chance for their first lead of the game.
Josh McCray TD brings Georgia within three
Josh McCray scores on a 1-yard touchdown to cut the Alabama lead to 24-21 with 6:30 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs force a missed field goal and score a touchdown for a 10-point swing.
The scoring drive goes six plays for 74 yards and takes 3:07 off the clock. Dillon Bell’s 43-yard run set up the scoring opportunity.
James Smith ejected for targeting
Alabama’s James Smith is ejected for targeting on a run by Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens. Smith came in late with a tackle and led with the crown of his helmet. He was ejected following a replay review.
Conor Talty misses 43-yard field goal
Alabama drives the ball into Georgia territory on a nine-play drive, but do not come away with a score as Conor Talty misses a 43-yard field goal. Alabama still leads 24-14 with 9:37 left in the third quarter.
Halftime: Alabama 24, Georgia 14
Alabama-Georgia halftime stats
Halftime stats
Alabama leads by 10 points at halftime following a last-minute touchdown by Ty Simpson. He has three scores (two passing and one rushing) in the first half.
The Crimson Tide will open on offense in the second half. They can build upon their lead.
Ty Simpson scores third touchdown of game
Ty Simpson scores his third touchdown of the game, this time a 2-yard rushing score to expand the Alabama lead to 24-14 with 34 seconds left in the half. The scoring play was preceded by an 11-yard rush by offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor.
Alabama’s scoring drive goes eight plays for 75 yards and takes 1:34 off the clock. The Crimson Tide receives the ball out of halftime with a chance to build on this lead.
Chauncey Bowens scores Georgia TD
Chauncey Bowens scores Georgia’s second touchdown of the night on a 2-yard score. Bowens also got a 43-yard run on the drive to get the Bulldogs in the red zone.
Georgia was aided by a holding penalty on Alabama’s defense on what seemed to be a fourth-down stop from the 1-yard line.
The Bulldogs’ scoring drive goes 11 plays for 75 yards and takes 6:22 off the clock.
Alabama scores field goal off Georgia turnover
Alabama gains just 6 yards on the ensuing drive after the turnover, but because of the short field Conor Talty hits a 24-yard field goal to expand the Crimson Tide’s lead to 17-7 with 8:30 left in the first half.
Ellis Robinson IV broke up a pass from Ty Simpson to Germie Bernard in the end zone to prevent another Alabama touchdown.
Nate Frazier fumbles
Georgia running back Nate Frazier fumbles the ball at the Georgia 11-yard line and Alabama’s Deontae Lawson recovers. Alabama takes over deep in Bulldogs’ territory.
Bray Hubbard forces the fumble for Alabama.
Colbie Young, Georgia respond with quick score
Georgia falls in a 14-0 hole against Alabama, but the Bulldogs respond on a three-play drive to cut the lead to 14-7. Gunner Stockton hits Colbie Young for a 38-yard touchdown to cut the lead in half.
The scoring drive takes 1:13 off the clock. Chauncey Bowens also added a 29-yard rush on the drive.
Alabama leads by a touchdown with 12:48 left in the first half.
Isaiah Horton catches touchdown pass from Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson has his second 6-yard touchdown pass of the game. This one is to Isaiah Horton to give the Crimson Tide a 14-0 lead with 14:01 left in the second quarter
Just like the last scoring drive, this one also goes 14 plays. Alabama covers 83 yards, taking 6:57 off the game clock.
Alabama is outgaining Georgia 162-31 and has quadrupled the Bulldogs in offensive plays, 28-7.
End of 1st quarter: Alabama 7, Georgia 0
Alabama leads 7-0 after first quarter vs Georgia
Behind a Ty Simpson to Germie Bernard touchdown, Alabama has a 7-0 lead over SEC rival Georgia through one quarter.
Alabama outgained Georgia 147-31 in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide are inside the Georgia red zone to open the second quarter.
Georgia punts again
Georgia gets one first down on its second drive on a 24-yard run by Nate Frazier. However, the Bulldogs are forced to punt on fourth-and-5 after Gunner Stockton fires an incomplete pass.
Stockton is 0-for-4 passing so far. Alabama will start on its own 17-yard line following a 44-yard punt.
Alabama strikes first on Ty Simpson TD pass
Ty Simpson hits Germie Bernard for a 6-yard touchdown pass to give Alabama a 7-0 lead with 7:41 left in the first quarter. That’s touchdown No. 4 for the senior receiver.
The scoring drive goes 14 plays for 74 yards and takes 6:30 off the clock.
Ryan Williams drops sure touchdown
Ryan Williams, who had a breakout game in this contest a year ago, drops what would have been a sure touchdown after beating two Georgia defenders deep down the field. Tough result for the second-year player, who was coming off a career game vs. Wisconsin two weeks ago.
Georgia goes three-and-out
A 2-yard rush and two incompletions from Gunner Stockton result in a three-and-out for Georgia to start the game. Ty Simpson and Alabama will take over at their own 25-yard line following the punt.
Georgia will open on offense
Alabama won the toss and has deferred to the second half. Georgia will receive and Alabama will defend the east goal.
Pregame
Alabama vs Georgia SEC availability report
Here’s a look at the final SEC availability report before Alabama vs. Georgia:
Alabama
Game-time decision
- TE Danny Lewis Jr.
Out
- WR Jalen Hale
- LB Jah-Marien Latham
- DL Jeremiah Beaman
Georgia
Out
- TE Ethan Barbour
- OL Malachi Toliver
- OL Earnest Greene III
- WR Thomas Blackshear
NFL scouts turn out for Alabama-Georgia
Alabama and Georgia have sent a lot of players to the NFL draft over the last several seasons. So, it’s not a surprise a number of NFL scouts are on hand for the SEC matchup.
Alabama RB Jam Miller set to make season debut vs Georgia
Alabama running back Jam Miller is set to make his season debut on Sept. 27 against Georgia. Miller suffered a collarbone injury on Aug. 16 in a team scrimmage.
Miller is the top returning rusher for Alabama from 2024, when he had 668 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
Kirby Smart record vs Alabama
Georgia coach Kirby Smart owns a 108-19 career record coaching the Bulldogs. However, he has struggled against Alabama, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015.
Ryan Williams’ breakout performance vs Georgia in 2024, revisited
Alabama’s Ryan Williams broke out on the big stage last year in Alabama’s win over Georgia. The then-17-year-old scored the game-winning touchdown for the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Alabama-Georgia overtime history, rules
Alabama and Georgia needed a full 60 minutes to decide the winner in 2024. The series has had two overtime games in its 74-game history. The Bulldogs pulled off a 26-23 win in 2007, Nick Saban’s first loss as the Crimson Tide’s head coach.
A decade later, Alabama earned a 26-23 win in the College Football Playoff championship game on the game-winning throw from Tua Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith in 2018.
What time does Alabama vs Georgia start?
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)
- Where: Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia
The Week 5 SEC rivalry matchup between Alabama and Georgia is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, Sept. 27, from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
What TV channel is Alabama vs Georgia on today?
- TV: ABC
- Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)
The Crimson Tide vs. the Bulldogs will air nationally on ABC. Chris Fowler will serve as the play-by-play commentator, with Kirk Herbstreit serving as the analyst and Holly Rowe as the sideline reporter.
Streaming options include the ESPN app, ESPN+ and Fubo, the last of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Alabama vs Georgia predictions
- Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY Sports: Alabama 35, Georgia 31
Ty Simpson tosses four touchdown passes, with three going to star receiver Ryan Williams, as the Crimson Tide clinches their second straight win over the Bulldogs in as many seasons.
- Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia 34, Alabama 27
‘Georgia gets Alabama at night and at home, where it has won 33 straight. The Crimson Tide are 2-5 under Kalen DeBoer outside of Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs’ defense gets enough stops against an explosive Alabama passing game and Gunner Stockton’s legs boost the Georgia offense.’
- Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News: Georgia 35, Alabama 28
‘Alabama has a defense that is gaining strength, one that turned pressure into production for the first time all season against Wisconsin. But Georgia is a different animal. SEC play in general is a different animal. And it’s on the road. Expect the Crimson Tide to fall short.’
Alabama football schedule 2025
Here is the Crimson Tide’s schedule and results.
- Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, No. 8 Alabama 17
- Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 20 Alabama 73, UL Monroe 0
- Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 18 Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
- Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
- Saturday, Sept. 27: at No. 3 Georgia | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Oct. 4: vs No. 20 Vanderbilt* | 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 11: at No. 20 Missouri* | Noon
- Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. No. 15 Tennessee*
- Saturday, Oct. 25: at South Carolina
- Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. No. 4 LSU*
- Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 10 Oklahoma*
- Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn*
*Denotes SEC game
Georgia football schedule 2025
Here is the Bulldogs’ schedule and results.
- Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 4 Georgia 45, Marshall 7
- Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 3 Georgia 28, Austin Peay 6
- Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 3 Georgia 44, No. 15 Tennessee 41, OT
- Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
- Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. No. 16 Alabama* | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Kentucky* | Noon | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Oct. 11: at Auburn*
- Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. No. 13 Ole Miss*
- Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Florida* | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Nov. 8: at Mississippi State* | Noon
- Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 7 Texas*
- Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Charlotte | 12:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
- Friday, Nov. 28: vs. No. 17 Georgia Tech | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
*Denotes SEC game