Alabama Edges Out Georgia for Number 1 Spot in Coaches Poll
After a dominant performance against Arkansas by the Crimson Tide and a near upset in Missouri for the Bulldogs, Alabama has passed Georgia for the number one ranking in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
Arkansas gave Alabama a scare in the 3rd quarter of Saturday's game, but the Tide ultimately won by a convincing 23 points. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, trailed or tied the Missouri Tigers for 55 minutes before seeking out a 26-22 win. The Bulldogs defense got run all over and Stetson "The Mailman" Bennett looked like he would be working at UPS next year.
In the poll, Alabama received 34 first place votes while the reigning national champions only received 23.
Alabama may appreciate being number one in the poll, but Saturday's win will seem pyrrhic to many fans as reigning Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young exited the game with a shoulder injury to his throwing arm in the opening half. Head coach Nick Saban said it was an AC sprain and that he isn't too worried about Bryce's ability to bounce back from it quickly.
Following the loss to Alabama, the Arkansas Razorbacks fell from 19 to 25 in the poll. The team's second loss was ugly outside of the third quarter and likely erased any hope they had of making it to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.
Alabama's SEC west rival Ole Miss, coached by former offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, moved into the top ten with their win over Kentucky. The Rebels were placed at number nine .
Another SEC west rival, Mississippi State, moved into the top 25 after walloping Texas A&M 42-24 on the road.