Georgia Beats Alabama as DeBoer Reviews Late Loss

Georgia defeated Alabama 20-17 on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the Bulldogs improved to 6-0 and strengthened their case for the No. 1 ranking while the Crimson Tide dropped to 5-1, according to CBS Sports and al.com. The result turned on late-game execution and a disputed officiating decision.

According to CBS Sports, Georgia produced 206 rushing yards despite missing leading rusher Nate Frazier. Dwight Phillips Jr. led the Bulldogs with 120 yards rushing, while Bo Walker added 69 yards.

Gunnar Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also scoring on the ground, according to CBS Sports. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16 of 30 passes for 185 yards with one touchdown and rushed for 41 yards.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game that Georgia deserved credit but his team failed to capitalize on opportunities. He addressed the final sequence, injuries and the response needed from the Crimson Tide after the loss.

DeBoer said Alabama needed to focus on controllable factors instead of depending on officials. He also said he did not receive a clear explanation for the late-game play involving Rico Scott that Alabama believed should have resulted in a penalty.

"The character of the team will be tested moving forward, but I feel Alabama will get back to work to make sure losing feelings are not repeated." DeBoer said.

The coach also discussed quarterback Keelon Russell's performance, noting that Georgia's pressure affected Alabama's passing attack. DeBoer said Russell's late sack was a mistake that hurt the team's chances.

Alabama's defense was also a focus of DeBoer's comments. According to al.com, he praised Georgia's offense and said the Crimson Tide needed more takeaways and better execution after loose balls appeared during the game.

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams left the game after multiple injury concerns, according to CBS Sports. The receiver was evaluated after a hit involving his head late in the contest and finished with three receptions for 39 yards.

DeBoer said Ryan Coleman-Williams had a head injury, Racin Delgatty suffered a lower-leg injury, and Terrance Green aggravated an existing injury. He also criticized Dijon Lee's late personal foul after contact with a Georgia player following the whistle.

Georgia secured its first regular-season win over Alabama since 2007 and its third victory in the teams' last 11 meetings, according to CBS Sports. The Bulldogs' road victory came as No. 1 Texas lost to Oklahoma, creating an opening in the national rankings.

Georgia will host Auburn next Saturday in the rivalry called "The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry," according to CBS Sports. Alabama will travel to face Tennessee in the matchup known as "The Third Saturday in October" next Saturday.