Georgia Moves to Top of Rankings After Beating Alabama, cbssports.com Reports
Georgia defeated Alabama 20-17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 10, 2026, marking the program’s first road win in Tuscaloosa since 2007, cbssports.com reported.
Music blared inside the winning locker room after the final whistle. Kirby Smart addressed the media immediately following the victory. “Another week in the SEC,” Smart said.
The win moved Georgia to the top of the college football rankings, though cbssports.com noted the Bulldogs benefited from a late no-penalty on a pass interference play.
How Georgia Secured the Road Victory Without Top Running Backs
Dwight Phillips and Bo Walker stepped into the backfield to combine for seven yards per carry and 189 total yards. Senior quarterback Gunner Stockton finished 18-of-22 for 249 passing yards, accounting for two total touchdowns and one interception.
Stockton guided an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive at the start of the third quarter after Alabama took a 14-10 halftime lead. He capped that drive with a 14-yard rushing touchdown and later delivered a 3rd-and-7 dart to Craig Dandridge in tight coverage. “It’s been many years since we won here,” Stockton said.
Contrasting Views on the Best Team in the Country
Hours before kickoff in Tuscaloosa, ESPN’s College GameDay panel debated the top spot in college football. Kirk Herbstreit named Miami as the best team in the country during the broadcast, pointing to quarterback Darian Mensah’s efficiency and defensive perseverance.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban agreed with Herbstreit’s assessment on the air. “I agree with you on that one, they’re very good,” Saban said. “That’s who I would pick at this point. But, I am not giving up on the Tide, they will roll on.”
SEC Upsets Leave Alabama Positioned to Contend
Parity defined the broader conference slate on the same Saturday. Ole Miss lost 52-28 on the road to Florida a week after facing Lane Kiffin. Top-ranked Texas lost the Red River Rivalry to Oklahoma, while LSU fell on the road to unranked Kentucky after Will Stein converted a two-point attempt in overtime. LSU entered that matchup carrying preseason College Football Playoff expectations and a roster sources estimated cost upwards of $50 million.
With Keelon Russell directing the offense, Alabama remains positioned to contend as the season progresses.