• If Garrett Nussmeier is playing hurt, that’s a problem for LSU. If he’s healthy, then where’s his usual zip?
• Brian Kelly insists his quarterback isn’t hurt. His quarterback insists he won’t answer that question.
• LSU offense struggles again, this time in defeat, to Ole Miss.

OXFORD, Miss. – Brian Kelly insists his quarterback is healthy.

His quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, insisted he’s not answering any questions about his health.

Interesting.

I insist if LSU’s quarterback is healthy, then he’s not the elite talent some of us once thought. And if he’s not healthy, then the No. 4 Tigers have problems on top of problems after a stinging 24-19 defeat to rival No. 11 Mississippi.

“I’m not going to answer any questions about my health,” Nussmeier said.

Very interesting.

Is Garrett Nussmeier injured? Here’s not saying

Nussmeier showcased a howitzer earlier in his career. He never saw a coverage window he thought too tight to zip a completion into. Whatever deficiencies Nussmeier had in his game entering his final LSU season, arm strength wasn’t one of them.

Until this season. He doesn’t look right, and his 197 passing yards Saturday were a season low.

It’s not that he forced an interception into thick coverage. I’ve seen that mistake before. New this season, though, is Nussmeier just doesn’t show the same firecracker of an arm he’s had previously.

So, it’s worth asking again: How’s Nussmeier feeling physically?

“I’m not going to answer anything involving my health, sorry,” Nussmeier said.

Very, very interesting.

Minutes before Nussmeier spoke, Kelly said his quarterback is healthy.

“The quarterback is going to get (scrutiny after losses). I get that,” Kelly said. “Look, all I can tell you is, he’s healthy.”

Then, why isn’t Nussmeier saying that?

Nussmeier had multiple opportunities to clarify the situation and demurred. He limited his remarks to the game itself.

“Obviously, I’m frustrated about the loss,’ Nussmeier said, after another game in which LSU’s offense couldn’t find momentum.

Brian Kelly: ‘Garrett Nussmeier’s gotta play better’ for LSU

Two weeks ago, Kelly said his quarterback was “fighting through” a torso injury. But, in the leadup and aftermath of this rivalry loss, the coach said the quarterback is healthy. And the quarterback himself isn’t saying much, at all.

“Garrett Nussmeier’s gotta play better,” Kelly said. “Every player on offense has gotta play better, and then we have to be more consistent on defense.”

“This is not a Garrett Nussmeier problem,” he added. “This is an entire football team of guys needing to do their job at a higher level.”

Kelly fumed earlier this month at the idea LSU’s offense wasn’t playing up to snuff. Praise LSU’s defense, he implored. Praise be, indeed, because LSU might have multiple losses if not for the way its defense performed the first few weeks.

LSU’s offensive showing performance against Florida, though, served as a canary in the coal mine. This problem isn’t going away. It’s festering.

Kelly’s right: Nussmeier must play better. He’s also right Nussmeier’s not the only problem.

LSU’s receivers did not get open at the same rate the Rebels’ receivers did. The Tigers mounted little attempt at a ground game. An injury sidelined starting tailback Caden Durham, but it’s not as if the Tigers were running wild and free the previous four games, either. Against Ole Miss, a wide receiver led LSU in rushing attempts at halftime. So, yeah, that’s what Kelly and Co. think of their run game, sans Durham.

As for LSU’s offensive line, put it this way: Those fellas wouldn’t be asked to moonlight as bouncers at a night club. Nothing intimidating about them.

Some of this does come back to a quarterback not playing up to his billing.

Nussmeier’s touchdown pass became a product of gameshow-like good fortune. His toss into thick coverage deflected off a defender. The ball ricocheted over the outstretched hand of another defender, and into the mitts of LSU’s lounging receiver Nic Anderson, who wasn’t the intended target. The officials called it a touchdown. Bob Barker would’ve called it Plinko!

Nussmeier connected on one deep strike, but it hovered in the air so long, I imagine some thirsty fan in attendance could have shot-gunned a beer before the pass found its mark.

The lack of downfield passing became a persistent theme throughout LSU’s month-long scoring drought.

“We didn’t make a big catch down the field, outside the numbers,” Kelly said. “We made some really good catches inside the numbers, in the hash (marks), but you’ve got to hit some of those plays, and we didn’t hit any of them.”

If you didn’t know better, you would’ve thought LSU started the Division II transfer. In truth, that was Ole Miss. Who knew Ferris State could be a quarterback factory for the SEC? Lane Kiffin got wise to it.

Trinidad Chambliss keeps making the winning plays.

Nussmeier keeps making plays that make me question whether he’s healthy — and if he is, what happened to his big arm?

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

AI-assisted summary
• Tensions flared between players and caddies during a Ryder Cup fourball match.
• The argument began after Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie allegedly stepped in Justin Rose’s putting line on the 15th hole.
• Despite the confrontation, the post-match handshake was cordial.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Tensions are always high at the Ryder Cup. But that typically pertains to the relationship between the crowd and the visiting team. 

This time, it was the players and caddies becoming feisty with one another during the afternoon fourball match between Team USA’s Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler and Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, who took exception with DeChambeau’s caddie, Greg Bodine, stepping in his line on the 15th hole. Both DeChambeau and Rose made par, and the walk to the 16th hole is where tempers flared. 

DeChambeau took exception to Rose reprimanding his caddie and let Rose know as they walked off the green and to the next tee box. Fleetwood inserted himself and had his own back-and-forth with DeChambeau. And Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, started getting into it with Francesco Molinari, a vice captain for Europe who was walking with that match. 

Rose and Fleetwood won the match on the next hole and the handshake between the parties involved was cordial. Afterward, Rose said he was disappointed that the frakas became a talking point after a high-level match.

In Rose’s mind, he was ready to hit his putt and asked Bodine to move ‘maybe not as politely as I could have done, but in the scenario, it’s coming down the stretch.’

‘We both have a lot on our minds and it’s intense out there. I said to them, ‘If I should have done it a different way, I apologize.’ But other than that, I had to step up and hit a huge putt with a lot going on,’ Rose said. From my point of view, I was just trying to protect my own sort of environment to execute. It’s all part of it. It’s up to them if they want to take it the wrong way but from my point of view, there’s no malintent.’ 

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said he spoke to all parties involved and that the dustup was in the past.

‘I mean, I think it was a little bit disrespectful, but Justin Rose told me after on the green that they had talked it out,’ he said.

Team Europe, for its part, has relished the chance to torture the Americans on Long Island for two straight days as they take an 11.5-4.5 lead into the final day of competition and, barring something truly miraculous on the part of the USA, will become the first Ryder Cup winner on foreign soil since 2012. 

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Penn State football had a key opportunity to make a statement in the Big Ten — and all of college football — in Week 5.

That statement, however, came up short.

Stream Penn State vs. Oregon on Peacock

The No. 2-ranked Nittany Lions’ late comeback against No. 5 Oregon fell short in double overtime, as Penn State dropped its Big Ten opener to the Ducks, 30-24, at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27. It’s the 21st time that the Nittany Lions have fallen to a top-10-ranked opponent under James Franklin. 

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman provided the heroic moment for the Ducks, as he picked off Penn State quarterback Drew Allar on the first play of the Nittany Lions’ second overtime period after Dante Moore connected with Gary Bryant Jr. for a 25-yard go-ahead touchdown.

Once trailing 17-3 at the start of the fourth quarter, Allar led the Nittany Lions on an impressive fourth-quarter performance, which included two touchdowns to wide receiver Devonte Ross, to force overtime against the Ducks.

With the loss, Penn State has dropped its first game of the season. Meanwhile, for Oregon, the Ducks picked up their eighth win in program history against a top-three-ranked team.

Saturday’s game between the Nittany Lions and Ducks is Penn State’s annual White Out Game at Beaver Stadium, in which the entire stadium wears white. The Nittany Lions snapped their six-game win streak in the White Out Game, as it was the first time Penn State had lost in the annual game since 2019 to Michigan.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.

Penn State football vs Oregon live score

This section will be updated during the game

Penn State vs Oregon updates

This section has been updated with new information

Overtime: Oregon State 30, Penn State 24

Drew Allar throws interception, Oregon wins

Oregon comes out with a 30-24 win over No. 2 Penn State at Beaver Stadium. The Ducks picked off Drew Allar on the first play of Penn State’s second overtime period.

Oregon scores touchdown to take lead

One play is all Oregon needs in the second overtime period, as Dante Moore connects with Gary Bryant Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown. The Ducks are unable to convert the 2-point conversion as Moore is picked off by the Nittany Lions’ defense.

Penn State can win the game with a touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion.

Dante Moore touchdown pass ties game for Oregon

Dante Moore connects with Jamari Johnson for a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24-24. The Ducks were close to not making the play as Moore bobbled the ball before getting it to Johnson, who plowed his way through into the end zone.

Penn State back on offense to start the second overtime period.

Kaytron Allen scores touchdown for Penn State

Penn State opens up the first overtime with a four-yard rushing touchdown from Kaytron Allen. The Nittany Lions now lead No. 5 Oregon 24-17. Oregon next up on offense.

Oregon wins toss, elects defense

Oregon wins the coin toss and elects to go onto defense first in the overtime period. Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions are up first on offense.

Click here to read more on the college football overtime rules.

Fourth quarter: Penn State 17, Oregon 17

Penn State, Oregon heading to overtime

There will be free football played in the Big Ten on Saturday night! A two-touchdown fourth quarter from Drew Allar and Penn State sends this game into overtime tied at 17-17.

What a game this has been in Happy Valley, as Oregon once led by 14 points at the start of the fourth quarter.

Drew Allar touchdown pass ties game for Penn State

Tie game! Drew Allar connects with Devonte Ross for a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 17-17 with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. It’s the second time Allar has connected with Ross for a touchdown on the night.

Oregon will have 30 seconds remaining on the clock to score points.

Drew Allar converts fourth down for Penn State

This time around on fourth-and-1, Drew Allar calls his own number out of a timeout and picks up the first down for Penn State. The Nittany Lions are marching in Oregon’s red zone once again with a seven-point deficit.

On the next play of the drive, Allar threw a screen pass to Kaytron Allen, who bullied his way through several Oregon defenders to set up a second-and-3 at the Ducks’ 12-yard line coming out of the two-minute timeout.

Nick Singleton converts fourth down for Penn State

Penn State goes back to Nick Singleton on fourth-and-1 and the Nittany Lions’ running back comes through, as he pushes the huddle enough to get the first down. It’s a big-time pickup for Penn State, which is in the midst of its most important drive of the night.

Oregon punts

Penn State gets the ball back at its own 33-yard line with 7:07 remaining in the fourth quarter after Oregon is forced to punt the ball. Dante Moore connected with Gary Bryant Jr. for a 7-yard catch on third-and-21, which was set up by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty by the Ducks’ Alex Harkey on third-and-6.

A big drive coming up for Drew Allar and Penn State’s offense, who can tie the game at 17-17 with a touchdown.

Drew Allar throws 35-yard touchdown pass

Drew Allar takes a shot on first-and-10 and it pays off as he connects with Devonte Ross for the touchdown. It’s a perfect throw by Allar to Ross, who beats multiple Oregon defenders on the post route, and it’s a much-needed answer from the Nittany Lions’ offense.

A quick four-play, 75-yard drive from Penn State brings Oregon’s lead to 17-10 with 10:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Oregon extends lead over Penn State

Jordon Davison punches it into the end zone from 8 yards out to extend Oregon’s lead over Penn State to 17-3. The Ducks have been ahead of the Nittany Lions’ defense all night, and Dan Lanning is showing a ton of emotion on the sideline after Davison’s touchdown.

The scoring drive was 10 plays for 75 yards and took 4:57 off the game clock.

Third quarter: Oregon 10, Penn State 3

Oregon leads Penn State after three quarters

Dante Moore’s touchdown pass to Dierre Hill Jr. has Oregon leading Penn State 10-3 going into the fourth quarter in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions have struggled all night against the Ducks’ defense, as Penn State has created just 109 total yards of offense compared to Oregon’s 303 yards.

The Ducks are 15 minutes away from picking up another top-10 ranked win under Dan Lanning, while the Nittany Lions need a big final quarter from Drew Allar and Co. to avoid their 21st loss to a top-10-ranked team under James Franklin.

Penn State punts

It’s a quick three-and-out on offense for Penn State following Oregon’s touchdown, as Drew Allar completes one of three pass attempts for a single yard. The Ducks have done a nice job all night at making it uncomfortable for Allar in the passing game.

It’s all momentum on Oregon at the moment.

Oregon takes lead on touchdown

It’s a game of inches — literally. Oregon scores its first touchdown on the night with an 8-yard screen pass from Dante Moore to Dierre Hill Jr., which puts the Ducks up front 10-3 against Penn State.

The Ducks’ touchdown ends quite the drive, as Oregon was originally called for a fumble that was recovered and returned 39 yards by Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley on the previous play. However, Chaz Coleman’s forced fumble on Oregon’s Noah Whittington was overturned as video replay showed Whittington down before Coleman knocked the ball out.

Oregon converts on third down

Dante Moore delivers his biggest throw of the game on third-and-3 as he finds Kenyon Sadiq on the scramble for a 23-yard gain and the first down. It’s a big-time throw by Moore, who gives Oregon its third conversion on third down on the night.

The Nittany Lions’ defense has now given up 142 passing yards.

Oregon’s Teitum Tuioti forces Penn State punt

Penn State’s best offensive drive of the night stalls on third-and-9, as Oregon’s Teitum Tuioti picks up the Nittany Lions’ play call from the jump and tackles Drew Allar for no gain.

The Ducks get the ball back at their own 27-yard line with 9:10 remaining in the third quarter.

Kaytron Allen picks up first down

Kaytron Allen extends Penn State’s first offensive drive of the second half with a 1-yard carry on third-and-1. The ruling of the first down for the Nittany Lions was upheld after an official review on the field.

First half: Penn State 3, Oregon 3

Penn State, Oregon tied at halftime

After two quarters in Happy Valley, it is tied 3-3 between Penn State and Oregon. A holding penalty against Oregon’s Isaiah World kept the Ducks from getting more points before heading into the locker room.

In an interview with NBC’s Kathryn Tappen, Penn State coach James Franklin said the Nittany Lions’ offense needs to get going up front with their running game. Penn State was outnumbered by Oregon 189-69 in total yards of offense in the first half.

The Nittany Lions get the ball first to begin the second half.

Penn State punts

After making a 14-yard pass to Devonte Ross on third-and-8 and a false start penalty by Penn State’s offense, Drew Allar throws three incomplete passes. The Nittany Lions punt the ball back to Oregon, who gets it at its 10-yard line with 1:07 remaining in the first half.

Penn State stadium capacity

Oregon field goal ties game

Penn State’s defense nearly comes up with an interception as Dante Moore misses his throw on third-and-4 that was intended for Dakorien Moore, which sends the kicking unit back out onto the field. Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington hits the 42-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

The scoring drive was 10 plays for 51 yards and took over four minutes off the game clock.

Oregon makes big play on fourth down

Dante Moore finds Dakorien Moore down the field on the play-action for a 20-yard reception and first down. It’s the sixth conversion on fourth down that Oregon has converted this season, per the NBC broadcast, and the third of the night.

Oregon misses field goal attempt

Oregon coach Dan Lanning elects to go for the field goal after quarterback Dante Moore dives just 3 yards short of the first down on third-and-8 on the quarterback scramble. The kick from Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington is, however, no good. The 47-yard field goal attempt sails left of the goal post.

Penn State takes over at its 29-yard line with a 3-0 lead and 9:39 remaining in the second quarter.

Penn State field goal gives Nittany Lions lead

Penn State is on the board first with a 49-yard field goal down the middle from Ryan Barker. The scoring drive was 11 plays for 32 yards and took 4:56 off the game clock.

A big defensive series is coming up for Jim Knowles’ unit as the Nittany Lions now have a 3-0 lead over Oregon.

First quarter: Penn State 0, Oregon 0

Penn State, Oregon tied after one quarter

One quarter down in Happy Valley and the score is tied at 0-0 between Penn State and Oregon. Both teams are settling in on offense, as their defenses have come up with a few key plays of their own. The Nittany Lions created just 18 yards of total offense in the first quarter compared to the Ducks’ 52 yards.

Penn State is moving on offense and will start the second quarter with a third-and-8.

Penn State picks up first down

When in doubt, give the ball to Nick Singleton.

That appears to be the mindset for Penn State on offense in its second drive of the game, as the Nittany Lions’ running back picks up the first down on fourth-and-1 after he gave Penn State a shot to extend its drive with a 15-yard catch on a dump pass in the middle.

Penn State stops Oregon on fourth down

The Nittany Lions’ defense comes up with their first big stop of the night on fourth-and-3, as Amare Campbell puts a big hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to pick up the turnover on downs. It’s a real nice play by Campbell and AJ Harris to stop Moore a yard short of the first down on the quarterback scramble.

Penn State’s offense will take over at its own 36-yard line with 3:22 remaining in the first quarter with the score still tied at 0-0.

Oregon punts after false start

Oregon attempts to go for it on fourth-and-inches, but Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson is called for a false start, which sends the Ducks’ punt unit out onto the field. The White Out home field advantage from the fans inside Beaver Stadium is off to a successful — and loud — start.

Oregon starts on offense

It will be Oregon’s offense heading out first on the night. We’re underway in Happy Valley!

Pregame

Penn State takes field for White Out vs Oregon

Drew Allar leads the Nittany Lions out onto the field at Beaver Stadium for Saturday’s highly anticipated game vs. Oregon. Allar is looking for one of his biggest home wins as Penn State’s starting quarterback.

Drew Allar arrives for White Out vs Oregon

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar appears to have taken Saturday night’s White Out Game quite literally, as he arrives at Beaver Stadium in the Nittany Lions’ all-white travel suit and white glasses.

What is Oregon’s record vs ranked teams under Dan Lanning?

Oregon debuting new jersey vs Penn State

Here’s a look at the Ducks’ uniforms for Saturday’s top-five matchup vs. Penn State:

Here’s the video that Oregon posted on Thursday where it announced the uniform:

Who is starting at quarterback for Oregon vs Penn State?

Dante Moore will make his fifth consecutive start at quarterback for Oregon on Saturday against Penn State. The 6-foot-4 quarterback has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns already this season.

Who is starting at quarterback for Penn State vs Oregon?

Drew Allar will once again start at quarterback for Penn State in Saturday’s top-five matchup against Oregon. The 6-foot-5 quarterback is in his third season as the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback and has thrown for 626 yards and four touchdowns in three games this season.

James Franklin record vs top-10 ranked teams at Penn State

For all the success that James Franklin has had at Penn State, the Nittany Lions’ coach has had a lot of difficulty at beating a top-10-ranked team in his 12 seasons in Happy Valley. He enters Saturday’s top-five ranked game vs. Oregon with a 4-20 record against top-10-ranked teams while at Penn State.

Penn State-Oregon football betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4:56 p.m. ET

• Spread: Penn State -3.5
• Over/under: 52.5
• Moneyline: Penn State (-185) | Oregon (+150)

What is Penn State’s White Out?

In short, all Penn State fans wear white inside Beaver Stadium. The long answer, it was an experiment by Penn State’s marketing team in 2004 to enhance the fan experience, particularly in the student section, that has turned into one of the great traditions in college football.

Saturday’s game vs. Oregon is the 21st anniversary of the White Out at Penn State.

Click here to read more on Penn State’s White Out tradition.

‘College GameDay’ picks for Penn State-Oregon

Here is who the ‘College GameDay’ crew picked to win Saturday night’s game between Penn State and Oregon:

• Desmond Howard: Oregon
• Pat McAfee: Penn State
• Nick Saban: Penn State
• LaVar Arrington (Guest Picker): Penn State
• Kirk Herbstreit: Penn State

What time does Penn State vs Oregon start?

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Beaver Stadium (University Park, Pa.)

The Nittany Lions and the Ducks are scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is the first meeting between both programs in Happy Valley since 1964, and the first regular season meeting with both teams members of the Big Ten.

Stream Penn State vs. Oregon on Peacock

What TV channel is Penn State vs Oregon on today?

• TV channel: NBC
• Livestream: Peacock

Penn State vs. Oregon will be broadcast nationally on NBC in Week 5 of the college football season. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will have the call from the booth at Beaver Stadium, with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

A streaming option for the game includes Peacock, NBC’s subscription streaming service.

Penn State vs Oregon predictions

Here’s predictions from those within the USA TODAY Sports Network on who will win Saturday’s game between Penn State and Oregon:

• Frank Bodani, York Daily Record:Penn State 24, Oregon 17
• Chris Hansen, The Register-Guard: Oregon 33, Penn State 30

Penn State schedule 2025

Here is Penn State’s schedule and results:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Penn State 46, Nevada 11
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Penn State 34, FIU 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Penn State 52, Villanova 6
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. No. 5 Oregon * | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC (Fubo)/Peacock
• Saturday, Oct. 4: at UCLA * | 3:30 p.m. ET | CBS (Fubo)
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. Northwestern *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Iowa *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 1: at No. 1 Ohio State *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. No. 12 Indiana *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Michigan State *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Nebraska *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Rutgers *

* Denotes Big Ten game

Oregon schedule 2025

Here is Oregon’s schedule and results:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Oregon 59, Montana State 13
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Oregon 69, Oklahoma State 3
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Oregon 34, Northwestern 14
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Oregon 41, Oregon State 7
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at No. 2 Penn State * | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC (Fubo)/Peacock
• Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. No. 12 Indiana *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Rutgers *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Wisconsin *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at Iowa *
• Friday, Nov. 14: vs. Minnesota * | 9 p.m. ET | Fox (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. No. 22 USC *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Washington *

* Denotes Big Ten game

Kalen DeBoer has seemingly picked up where his predecessor, Nick Saban, left off against rival Georgia.

With Alabama football’s 24-21 victory over Kirby Smart on Saturday, Sept. 27, from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, DeBoer moves to 2-0 against the Bulldogs. Smart’s loss drops him to 1-7 all-time against the team for which he used to be a defensive coordinator.

No. 16 Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) scored all 24 of its points in the first half and relied on its defense in the second half to pull off the upset road victory. No. 3 Georgia (3-1, 1-1) drops its first game of the 2025 college football season.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson completed 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. Alabama won the game behind an ultra-efficient effort on third down, going 12 of 19 for the game, including two key conversions to run out the clock.

Stream Alabama football vs. Georgia live on Fubo (free trial)

While Georgia finished with 227 rushing yards, a fumble by running back Nate Fraizer in the second quarter turned out to be the final difference in the game, as it led to an Alabama field goal.

Chauncey Bowens led the Georgia rushing attack with 12 rushes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

USA TODAY brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Check it out:

Alabama vs Georgia score

Alabama vs Georgia updates

Alabama-Georgia score: Crimson Tide 24, Bulldogs 21 (Final)

Alabama-Georgia final stats

Final stats

Alabama earns second straight win over Georgia

For the second straight year, Alabama earns a win over Georgia. Kalen DeBoer is now 2-0 vs. the Bulldogs, while Kirby Smart falls to 1-7 against the Crimson Tide.

Alabama pulls off the victory despite not scoring in the second half, but holds the Georgia offense to just 21 points to pick up the victory.

Georgia punts with three minutes left in game

Georgia punts the ball on fourth-and-13 from the Georgia 45-yard line. Cole Adams calls for a fair catch at the Alabama 12-yard line.

The Crimson Tide lead 24-21 with 3:19 left in the game. If Alabama can get a couple of first downs, it has a chance to run out the clock and pull off the win.

Georgia turns ball over on downs instead of field goal

Kirby Smart opts to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Alabama 9-yard line instead of kicking the field goal to tie the game. LT Overton hit Cash Jones in the backfield for a 2-yard loss to force the turnover on downs.

End of third quarter: Alabama 24, Georgia 21

Alabama leads Georgia 24-21 entering fourth quarter

Alabama leads 24-21 heading into the fourth quarter from Athens. However, Georgia is driving, facing a second-and-6 from the Crimson Tide 23-yard line when the final quarter starts.

Georgia has not led in today’s game. The Bulldogs outgained Alabama 107-60 in the third quarter.

Talyn Taylor drops potential big play

Following Alabama’s turnover on downs, Gunner Stockton uncorks a deep ball to Talyn Taylor on the second play of the drive. The freshman receiver, however, could not come up with the catch that would have put the Bulldogs in the red zone.

Instead, Georgia punts the ball away. Alabama starts on its own 8-yard line with 2:52 left in the third quarter.

Georgia forces Alabama turnover on downs

Quintavius Johnson tackles Ty Simpson for a 2-yard loss on fourth-and-1 to force an Alabama turnover on downs at the Georgia 49-yard line. The Bulldogs have the chance for their first lead of the game.

Josh McCray TD brings Georgia within three

Josh McCray scores on a 1-yard touchdown to cut the Alabama lead to 24-21 with 6:30 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs force a missed field goal and score a touchdown for a 10-point swing.

The scoring drive goes six plays for 74 yards and takes 3:07 off the clock. Dillon Bell’s 43-yard run set up the scoring opportunity.

James Smith ejected for targeting

Alabama’s James Smith is ejected for targeting on a run by Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens. Smith came in late with a tackle and led with the crown of his helmet. He was ejected following a replay review.

Conor Talty misses 43-yard field goal

Alabama drives the ball into Georgia territory on a nine-play drive, but do not come away with a score as Conor Talty misses a 43-yard field goal. Alabama still leads 24-14 with 9:37 left in the third quarter.

Halftime: Alabama 24, Georgia 14

Alabama-Georgia halftime stats

Halftime stats

Alabama leads by 10 points at halftime following a last-minute touchdown by Ty Simpson. He has three scores (two passing and one rushing) in the first half.

The Crimson Tide will open on offense in the second half. They can build upon their lead.

Ty Simpson scores third touchdown of game

Ty Simpson scores his third touchdown of the game, this time a 2-yard rushing score to expand the Alabama lead to 24-14 with 34 seconds left in the half. The scoring play was preceded by an 11-yard rush by offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor.

Alabama’s scoring drive goes eight plays for 75 yards and takes 1:34 off the clock. The Crimson Tide receives the ball out of halftime with a chance to build on this lead.

Chauncey Bowens scores Georgia TD

Chauncey Bowens scores Georgia’s second touchdown of the night on a 2-yard score. Bowens also got a 43-yard run on the drive to get the Bulldogs in the red zone.

Georgia was aided by a holding penalty on Alabama’s defense on what seemed to be a fourth-down stop from the 1-yard line.

The Bulldogs’ scoring drive goes 11 plays for 75 yards and takes 6:22 off the clock.

Alabama scores field goal off Georgia turnover

Alabama gains just 6 yards on the ensuing drive after the turnover, but because of the short field Conor Talty hits a 24-yard field goal to expand the Crimson Tide’s lead to 17-7 with 8:30 left in the first half.

Ellis Robinson IV broke up a pass from Ty Simpson to Germie Bernard in the end zone to prevent another Alabama touchdown.

Nate Frazier fumbles

Georgia running back Nate Frazier fumbles the ball at the Georgia 11-yard line and Alabama’s Deontae Lawson recovers. Alabama takes over deep in Bulldogs’ territory.

Bray Hubbard forces the fumble for Alabama.

Colbie Young, Georgia respond with quick score

Georgia falls in a 14-0 hole against Alabama, but the Bulldogs respond on a three-play drive to cut the lead to 14-7. Gunner Stockton hits Colbie Young for a 38-yard touchdown to cut the lead in half.

The scoring drive takes 1:13 off the clock. Chauncey Bowens also added a 29-yard rush on the drive.

Alabama leads by a touchdown with 12:48 left in the first half.

Isaiah Horton catches touchdown pass from Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson has his second 6-yard touchdown pass of the game. This one is to Isaiah Horton to give the Crimson Tide a 14-0 lead with 14:01 left in the second quarter

Just like the last scoring drive, this one also goes 14 plays. Alabama covers 83 yards, taking 6:57 off the game clock.

Alabama is outgaining Georgia 162-31 and has quadrupled the Bulldogs in offensive plays, 28-7.

End of 1st quarter: Alabama 7, Georgia 0

Alabama leads 7-0 after first quarter vs Georgia

Behind a Ty Simpson to Germie Bernard touchdown, Alabama has a 7-0 lead over SEC rival Georgia through one quarter.

Alabama outgained Georgia 147-31 in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide are inside the Georgia red zone to open the second quarter.

Georgia punts again

Georgia gets one first down on its second drive on a 24-yard run by Nate Frazier. However, the Bulldogs are forced to punt on fourth-and-5 after Gunner Stockton fires an incomplete pass.

Stockton is 0-for-4 passing so far. Alabama will start on its own 17-yard line following a 44-yard punt.

Alabama strikes first on Ty Simpson TD pass

Ty Simpson hits Germie Bernard for a 6-yard touchdown pass to give Alabama a 7-0 lead with 7:41 left in the first quarter. That’s touchdown No. 4 for the senior receiver.

The scoring drive goes 14 plays for 74 yards and takes 6:30 off the clock.

Ryan Williams drops sure touchdown

Ryan Williams, who had a breakout game in this contest a year ago, drops what would have been a sure touchdown after beating two Georgia defenders deep down the field. Tough result for the second-year player, who was coming off a career game vs. Wisconsin two weeks ago.

Georgia goes three-and-out

A 2-yard rush and two incompletions from Gunner Stockton result in a three-and-out for Georgia to start the game. Ty Simpson and Alabama will take over at their own 25-yard line following the punt.

Georgia will open on offense

Alabama won the toss and has deferred to the second half. Georgia will receive and Alabama will defend the east goal.

Pregame

Alabama vs Georgia SEC availability report

Here’s a look at the final SEC availability report before Alabama vs. Georgia:

Alabama

Game-time decision

• TE Danny Lewis Jr.

Out

• WR Jalen Hale
• LB Jah-Marien Latham
• DL Jeremiah Beaman

Georgia

Out

• TE Ethan Barbour
• OL Malachi Toliver
• OL Earnest Greene III
• WR Thomas Blackshear

NFL scouts turn out for Alabama-Georgia

Alabama and Georgia have sent a lot of players to the NFL draft over the last several seasons. So, it’s not a surprise a number of NFL scouts are on hand for the SEC matchup.

Alabama RB Jam Miller set to make season debut vs Georgia

Alabama running back Jam Miller is set to make his season debut on Sept. 27 against Georgia. Miller suffered a collarbone injury on Aug. 16 in a team scrimmage.

Miller is the top returning rusher for Alabama from 2024, when he had 668 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Kirby Smart record vs Alabama

Georgia coach Kirby Smart owns a 108-19 career record coaching the Bulldogs. However, he has struggled against Alabama, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015.

Ryan Williams’ breakout performance vs Georgia in 2024, revisited

Alabama’s Ryan Williams broke out on the big stage last year in Alabama’s win over Georgia. The then-17-year-old scored the game-winning touchdown for the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Alabama-Georgia overtime history, rules

Alabama and Georgia needed a full 60 minutes to decide the winner in 2024. The series has had two overtime games in its 74-game history. The Bulldogs pulled off a 26-23 win in 2007, Nick Saban’s first loss as the Crimson Tide’s head coach.

A decade later, Alabama earned a 26-23 win in the College Football Playoff championship game on the game-winning throw from Tua Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith in 2018.

What time does Alabama vs Georgia start?

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)
• Where: Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia

The Week 5 SEC rivalry matchup between Alabama and Georgia is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, Sept. 27, from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

What TV channel is Alabama vs Georgia on today?

• TV: ABC
• Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The Crimson Tide vs. the Bulldogs will air nationally on ABC. Chris Fowler will serve as the play-by-play commentator, with Kirk Herbstreit serving as the analyst and Holly Rowe as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options include the ESPN app, ESPN+ and Fubo, the last of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Alabama vs Georgia predictions

• Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY Sports: Alabama 35, Georgia 31

Ty Simpson tosses four touchdown passes, with three going to star receiver Ryan Williams, as the Crimson Tide clinches their second straight win over the Bulldogs in as many seasons.

• Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia 34, Alabama 27

‘Georgia gets Alabama at night and at home, where it has won 33 straight. The Crimson Tide are 2-5 under Kalen DeBoer outside of Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs’ defense gets enough stops against an explosive Alabama passing game and Gunner Stockton’s legs boost the Georgia offense.’

• Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News: Georgia 35, Alabama 28

‘Alabama has a defense that is gaining strength, one that turned pressure into production for the first time all season against Wisconsin. But Georgia is a different animal. SEC play in general is a different animal. And it’s on the road. Expect the Crimson Tide to fall short.’

Alabama football schedule 2025

Here is the Crimson Tide’s schedule and results.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, No. 8 Alabama 17
• Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 20 Alabama 73, UL Monroe 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 18 Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at No. 3 Georgia | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs No. 20 Vanderbilt* | 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at No. 20 Missouri* | Noon
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. No. 15 Tennessee*
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at South Carolina
• Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. No. 4 LSU*
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 10 Oklahoma*
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn*

*Denotes SEC game

Georgia football schedule 2025

Here is the Bulldogs’ schedule and results.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 4 Georgia 45, Marshall 7
• Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 3 Georgia 28, Austin Peay 6
• Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 3 Georgia 44, No. 15 Tennessee 41, OT
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. No. 16 Alabama* | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Kentucky* | Noon | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Auburn*
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. No. 13 Ole Miss*
• Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Florida* | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at Mississippi State* | Noon
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 7 Texas*
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Charlotte | 12:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
• Friday, Nov. 28: vs. No. 17 Georgia Tech | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)

*Denotes SEC game

AI-assisted summary
• No. 11 Ole Miss defeated No. 4 LSU 24-19, establishing itself as a College Football Playoff contender.
• LSU’s offense continued to struggle, raising questions about its status as a national championship contender.
• Ole Miss backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss outplayed LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, throwing for 314 yards.

OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi was in the end zone, and Lane Kiffin was pumping his fist, and next thing you knew, red, white and blue confetti shot into the air.

Party on, inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

What do you at a party? You pump the dance music, of course.

The stadium DJ blasted a beat filled with bass, and the red-clad fans inside the packed stadium started shaking their pompoms.

Eleven minutes remained on the stadium clock, but the Rebels fans were in full celebration.

And, why not? No. 4 LSU was on the ropes.

Kiffin and his No. 11 Rebels hard-launched their College Football Playoff candidacy by taming the Tigers, 24-19.

Hey, Brian Kelly, ya think maybe there’s a problem with this LSU offense?

The Tigers’ month-long scoring slump continued, weeks after Kelly blew a fuse at a reporter who dared ask him about the team’s offensive funk in a postgame news conference.

“What do you want?” Kelly said then.

Some touchdowns, would be nice, from LSU’s $18 million roster.

LSU woes on offense continue in loss to Ole Miss

This rivalry renewal frothed with juicy on-field narratives. It told us whether LSU is a national championship contender or pretender (Verdict: Pretender, it appears) and whether Ole Miss is a playoff contender or pretender (Verdict: Contender).

This matchup gained an extra dash of spice, though, after Kiffin’s daughter, Landry, announced days before kickoff that she’s dating Whit Weeks, LSU’s star linebacker.

Weeks got the girl, but her old man got the victory.

An awfully important one, too.

In the wake of Landry’s relationship announcement, Kiffin joked gamblers should bet the over, a playful hint he planned to run up the score on his daughter’s beau.

‘I’m looking for Whit right now to see if we covered the over,’ Kiffin quipped during his on-field interview afterward.

The over didn’t hit. LSU’s meager offense made sure of that. Landry’s boyfriend had a hand in that, too. Weeks recovered an Ole Miss fumble in the end zone to negate a Rebels scoring opportunity.

Pair two turnovers with 14 Ole Miss penalties, and the Rebels struggled to get out of their own way. When they weren’t attracting flags, they were gashing LSU’s supposedly fierce defense.

LSU, a national championship contender? That’s hard to believe after this.

Trinidad Chambliss stands tall for Lane Kiffin

Kiffin has said if injured quarterback Austin Simmons was healthy, he’d be the team’s starter. It’s time to rethink that logic, after backup Trinidad Chambliss spurred Ole Miss to another victory.

No matter what Kiffin says about his depth chart, he’s obviously got faith in Chambliss, who was playing Division II ball just nine months ago. Chambliss took to the air to move the chains on 4th-and-1 shortly before halftime. Three plays later, he fired a touchdown pass.

Chambliss salted away the victory with a fourth-down completion with less than two minutes remaining.

The Ferris State transfer outdueled Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s ballyhooed quarterback who was supposed to have NFL scouts salivating. Scouts on hand saw Nussmeier throw an interception into triple coverage and Chambliss throw for 314 yards.

Kiffin kept thrusting his arms into the air triumphantly with every Chambliss completion.

Spare some praise for Chambliss’ companions on defense. Chambliss threw a third-quarter interception, giving LSU a chance to tie the score with a touchdown. Ole Miss limited the Tigers to a field goal, maintaining the lead.

LSU failed to solve a defense that allowed a total of 58 points to Kentucky and Arkansas, two of the SEC’s worst teams. Yeah, so it’s like that for LSU’s offense.

LSU played without top running back Caden Durham. In his absence, Kelly didn’t even try to mount a ground game in the first half. Shouldn’t a program with LSU’s roster payroll have more than one running back it trusts? Or, maybe the problem is just LSU’s penetrable offensive line.

The fourth-largest crowd in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium history started pregaming in the morning with cigars and liquids suited to plastic cups. They stood elbow to elbow in the Grove, and even before noon it was smoldering enough to sweat through your shirt, but none of the Rebels revelers seemed to mind.

And when it was finished, this third win against LSU of Kiffin’s tenure, the fans stayed in the stands and cheered, because playoff contenders shouldn’t storm the field after games they expect to win.

Pair Ole Miss’ 5-0 September record with the remaining schedule, and the Rebels are bid hunting, one year after they blew their playoff chance with losses to doormat Kentucky and downtrodden Florida.

None of the Ole Miss fans could be mourning last season as the final seconds ticked off this victory. They were too busy celebrating.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.