World reacts to Alabama-Georgia thriller as Tide jumps to No. 1 after win
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Alabama and Georgia fans experienced a roller coaster of emotions during Saturday’s game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The top-5 matchup provided plenty of drama and the eyes of the college football world were tuned in.
The Crimson Tide scored the first 28 points of the game but that lead disappeared late in the fourth quarter. However, Alabama made some key plays late in the game to walk away with the 41-34 victory.
Keep reading to see reactions from coaches, players and analysts from around the world + see how the win impacted the latest AP Poll.
Freshmen Ryan Williams + Zabien Brown in the spotlight
While the Georgia comeback momentarily had the spotlight, the final couple of minutes were taken over by a pair of plays by two Alabama freshman: Ryan Williams and Zabien Brown.
Williams, the only player to ever win two Mr. Football awards in Alabama high school football history, is just 17 years old. On the biggest stage of his career, the former Saraland star had six catches for 177 yards + the game-winning touchdown from quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Meanwhile, Brown made the play that officially put the game on ice. As Georgia drove down the field in the final minutes, Brown intercepted a pass from Carson Beck in the end zone.
Two plays by two freshman who wear the #2 jersey.
“There’s a lot of other guys that made some unbelievable plays all day long. But two guys right here that came ready to ball, they played four quarters, they’re getting better and doing their thing every single play.”
~ Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer in the locker room after the game
Reactions from LeBron James, Paul Finebaum + more
There was plenty of hype around Saturday’s matchup and while the primetime ratings for ABC aren’t in yet, it was likely the most-watched game so far this season.
Just inside the stadium, notable celebrities + former players included:
- Julio Jones
- AJ McCarron
- Mark Ingram
- John Daly
- Donald Trump
- Shane Gillis
But even those outside of the stadium were keeping a close eye on the game. Here’s some of the reaction on social media:
“This game is a instant classic!!!!!!” – LeBron James
“This was Kalen Deboer’s “I’m the captain now” game. Alabama is still Alabama without Nick Saban.” – Robert Griffin III
“Lazy Sunday watching NFL football and still thinking about last nights atmosphere. Our crew is unbelievably humbled to call these games. Games Ops at @AlabamaFTBL should be a mandatory clinic session for every stadium in North America!” – Kirk Herbstreit
Bama moves to #1 in AP Poll
Entering the game, Alabama was ranked #4 with Georgia at #2. But according to the voters of the AP Poll, the Crimson Tide’s win was impressive enough to jump all the way to #1 for the first time since 2022.
Here’s a look at the new top 10:
- 1. Alabama
- 2. Texas
- 3. Ohio State
- 4. Tennessee
- 5. Georgia
- 6. Oregon
- 7. Penn State
- 8. Miami
- 9. Missouri
- 10. Michigan
The SEC has four of the top five teams in the rankings.
The Crimson Tide will be back in action this Saturday at Vanderbilt.
What did you think of Alabama’s win over Georgia? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
