Refs' crucial no call looms large over Georgia's victory over Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Dijon Lee Jr.’s personal-foul penalty may have been the major talking point in the immediate aftermath of their 20-17 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night, but it was a flag that wasn’t thrown that loomed large over the game.

Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell targeted wide receiver Rico Scott near the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Bulldogs safety KJ Bolden blew up the play and appeared to have tackled Scott as the ball was coming toward him.

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Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden hits Alabama wide receiver Rico Scott well before the ball arrives at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Oct. 10, 2026. No penalty was called. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was searching for a pass interference penalty, which would have given the Crimson Tide a first down and moved them into field-goal range. Instead, the SEC officiating crew declined to throw the laundry on the field. On the next play, Bolden sacked Russell and thwarted the Crimson Tide’s chances of kicking a game-tying field goal.

The Crimson Tide punted. Lee committed the foul against a Georgia. And Alabama took its first loss of the season.

"We can’t put the game in that situation where the officials come into play," DeBoer said.

College football fans were a little perplexed as to why the flag wasn’t thrown.

Alabama linebackers Luke Metz and Caleb Woodson walk off the field after a 20-17 loss to Georgia at an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Regardless, Georgia was able to ice the rest of the game. Gunner Stockton was 18-of-22 with 248 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Stockton took hit after hit and was able to remain in the game and push the Bulldogs to victory.

It was the Bulldogs’ first regular-season win in Tuscaloosa since 2007.

"I didn’t come here to lose," Smart said.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton looks to throw the ball against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Georgia is now set to become the No. 1 team in the nation in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll. The Bulldogs will benefit from Texas losing to Oklahoma earlier Saturday.