The Week 5 showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling college football games in recent history. In a hard-fought battle, Alabama edged Georgia 41-34 in a game that went down to the wire. This highly anticipated top-five matchup captivated fans across the country, and the numbers back it up.
According to ESPN, the game averaged 12 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season college football game on any network since 2017. Additionally, it set a record for the most-streamed regular-season game in ESPN’s history, with streaming viewership peaking at 14.1 million. The game not only showcased the best of SEC football but also cemented its place in television and streaming history with these staggering numbers.
This kind of high-profile game highlights the enduring appeal of college football, especially in the SEC, where rivalries like Georgia vs. Alabama continue to draw massive attention from fans and media alike.
Following the game, Georgia dropped from No. 2 to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll, and Alabama shot up to the top of the list.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, answered questions surrounding the program following Nick Saban’s retirement with an impressive 41-34 victory over Georgia in Week 5. The game featured standout performances from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, who were pivotal in securing the win.
Last Saturday's @SEC on ABC tripleheader won the week with #UGAvsALA becoming @ESPNCFB's best regular season game since '17
🏈 @GeorgiaFootball vs @AlabamaFTBL | 12M viewers
🏈 @OU_Football vs @AuburnFootball | 5M viewers
🏈 @UKFootball vs @OleMissFB | 4M viewers pic.twitter.com/KeOCtxnqiF— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 1, 2024
Milroe threw for 374 yards, completing 27-of-33 pass attempts with two passing touchdowns, while also showcasing his dual-threat abilities by rushing for 117 yards and two more touchdowns. Williams continued his breakout season as Alabama’s No. 1 wide receiver, catching six passes for 177 yards and a touchdown.
Despite Georgia’s loss, head coach Kirby Smart’s team remains in strong position to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs, now focused on their upcoming matchup against Auburn in Week 6, will be looking to bounce back, while Alabama heads to Vanderbilt with a perfect 4-0 record.
The win against Georgia was a major statement for DeBoer, showing that Alabama remains a formidable force even in the post-Saban era.
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