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Ivan Maisel: Can Georgia overtake Alabama for No. 1 spot in rankings

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•09/07/22•

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After Week 1, there seem to be two teams fighting for the No. 1 spot in the country. To no surprise, Alabama and Georgia are the duo that looked the best in their season opener. The Crimson Tide held down the preseason top spot and kept it after a win over Utah State. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs also had a dominant victory over the Oregon Ducks.

Georgia made such a statement in Atlanta on Saturday that there have been questions on whether or not they should take over No. 1 in the polls. On3’s Ivan Maisel said not quite yet, citing how well Alabama looked against a quality opponent as well. Bryce Young got some credit as well for his dual-threat ability.

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“Not yet,” Maisel said. “You look at what Alabama did and, granted, Utah State is not as good as Oregon but they’re a pretty good team. Much like Georgia, the Alabama starters played a midseason type of game. Nick Saban could wait to let everybody know in his press conference Monday that his starters only made one penalty. Which, for an opener, is really good. I mean, these guys don’t get exhibition games.

“The offense looked terrific. We saw Bryce Young take off and run a little bit. His throwing was impeccable, by in large. Defense was the defense. So, I don’t think you can move Georgia ahead of Alabama because I thought Alabama looked like a No. 1 team.”

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Alabama will get their chance against a nonconference Power Five opponent this weekend, traveling to Austin to face off vs. Texas. Georgia, on the other hand, will play Samford. Before really being able to compare the two and break down who has earned the No. 1 spot, some quality SEC opponents will have to come up on the schedule.

The two will not have the opportunity to battle it out for themselves, at least for the time being. Both Alabama and Georgia would have to reach the SEC Championship game to renew what has been a fierce rivalry under Saban and Smart. So many important games have involed the two programs and we seem to be on pace for another this season.