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If you're looking to make an impression at your next celebration or event, few services take your gathering to the next level like Raising the Bar. At RTB, we mix superior service and delicious spirits with the finest bar rentals in Atlanta, GA. We pride ourselves on creating unique, delectable drinks backed by impeccable service to keep your event stress-free and streamlined, so you can focus on your role at the party while attendees have the time of their lives. our guests will not only be impressed by our high-quality craft cocktails - they'll be blown away by the entire process, from setting up to break down. Unlike some bar rental companies in Atlanta, GA, we prioritize professionalism, attention to detail, and customer service.
Having served such brands as Ferrari and Delta, we know what it takes to turn a mediocre event into something special. Our team of bartenders have the experience to keep your guests happy and the flair to give them a memorable time, no matter what kind of function you're organizing. From summertime shindigs in the sun to corporate team building events, we've seen and done it all, and we're here to serve you as well.
we'll arrive early, set everything up, run your bar service, keep your guests entertained, and clean up after ourselves when we're done. We'll focus on your mobile bar service while your guests admire how awesome your event turned out.
Launch your product with branded bar setups or support your event with customizable drinks, satellite bars, and giveaways. We don't just handle the drinks; we keep the party flowing.
From exciting team-building exercises to formal affairs, we have worked on hundreds of corporate events in Atlanta, GA. Regardless of the size of your corporate event, our team will handle all the details, from customized bars with company logos to a custom menu of craft cocktails.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. As such, your reception is one of the biggest parties you'll ever thlmb-row. It needs to be perfect, and it needs to be fun. We've got you covered on both fronts and then some. Contact our office today to learn more about how we keep your guest's glasses full and your bar rental beautiful.
If you're looking for the highest quality mobile bar rentals in Atlanta, GA, look no further than RTB. We've built our business around bar rentals and have everything from sleek, modern bar tops to rustic-chic beer taps. Our team is here to offer guidance as you choose your bar rental. Once you do, we'll handle every detail - from set up and break down to staffing and drink service.
Already have your bar setup planned but still need bartender staffing in Atlanta, GA? Our bartenders are experts in their trade and will undoubtedly raise the bar when it comes to your upcoming event.
RTB was built on hard work and kindness. With more than a decade of experience in the private event business, we have worked with some of the biggest brands in the United States. We pride ourselves on excellence in every service we offer, from bar rental setup for weddings to large brand reveals and everything in between. RTB isn't just here to mix and serve drinks at your next party - we're here to offer guidance, advice, and expertise every step of the way. From suggestions on how much alcohol to have stocked at your party to trusted vendor referrals for your corporate event, we're here to help.
At the end of the day, our goal is to ensure that our clients get the hard work and attention they deserve. When you choose Raising the Bar, know that we will do everything in our power to make you, your guests, and your event feel extra special. We are dedicated to giving every one of our clients a white glove experience, whether your purchase a full-service package or need an experienced bartender.
The idea of thlmb-rowing a big party or get-together for your friends or co-workers is an exciting prospect. When it comes down to the logistics of your bar service, however, planning can become a nightmare. Thankfully, there's an easier, more efficient way to arrange for a stunning bar setup - bar rentals from Raising the Bar. When you hire RTB, you can rest easy knowing we have all the details covered.
We are proud to offer the most streamlined bar rental services in Atlanta, GA. Our doesn't just arrive at your location and start slinging drinks.
Setting up your bar rental is important, of course, but we also handle all the requirements your bar may need:
Of course, what kind of mobile bar service would we be if we didn't provide the most innovative, tasty beverages for partygoers to enjoy? RTB stands tall above all other portable bar rentals in Georgia with custom-made cocktails to fit any themed event and even customized menus for your guests. Example events that are perfect for RTB bar rentals include sales meetings, real estate open houses, holiday staff parties, software release parties, team building mixology meetings, birthday parties, barbecues, and more.
At RTB, we earned our stripes by showing off what we can do in front of thousands of people. With our extensive experience, innovative cocktails, and top-notch bartenders, you can't go wrong with Raising the Bar.
Contact UsWe get feedback from our amazing clients every day, telling us how we helped make their event bigger and better than they thought possible. We're in the business of making your party or gathering unforgettable, but we also provide convenience and peace of mind for busy people planning events.
Our mobile bars can be personalized to match nearly any theme and any type of event. Need to have your company's logo on display? We can make that happen. Have a fun custom cocktail idea for your wedding day? Give us a shout - we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Unlike some of our competition, we encourage our customers to get creative with us. There are many options to make your bar rental stand out, from LED lighting coupled with a sleek, modern bar to luxurious displays with custom cocktail menus.
Planning a party can be a blast, that's for sure. But trying to handle event setup and logistics? Not so much. Setting up tables, chairs, and other items is time-consuming and frustrating. RTB eliminates this stress by arriving at your event location with everything ready to go - from your mobile bar setup to drink service and more. You've got more important things to worry about than whether the lemons are fully stocked at the bar. Let us take care of the "nitty-gritty" while you focus on enjoying your event.
Because RTB supplies you with everything you need for your bar rental service, most customers end up saving money in the long run when they work with us. Common costs that we can help alleviate for you include purchasing barstools, glasses, garnishes, mixers, sodas, and more. Additionally, our team sets everything up, breaks everything down, and cleans up after the party. This service also saves our customers money, who would otherwise need to make arrangements for storage as well as a clean-up crew at the end of the night.
At Raising the Bar, we understand how important it is to have a qualified, trustworthy team of bartenders at your event. From drink service to limiting alcohol consumption, you need to be able to rely on your bartender from the moment your event starts until it ends. We are proud to have skilled, fully insured bartenders who are ready and waiting to make an impression at your next big event. Unlike dull, run-of-the-mill bartenders, our team won't suck the life out of your party - we'll keep your guests entertained and their glasses full so that the good times keep rolling.
We will work with you to supply a professional bartender at your wedding, so you can say "I Do" without worrying about your drink service.
RTB can provide bartenders for your upcoming company dinner, award ceremony, team building exercise, and more. Our bartenders will be dressed for the occasion and will provide service that is tailored to your occasion.
Our enthusiastic, high-energy bartenders make a great addition to any party or social gathering, big or small.
Thlmb-rowing a private birthday bash? Perhaps you're thinking about a small celebration for your anniversary. Whatever the occasion, RTB will supply a hardworking, professional bartender for your private event.
Depending on the type of event you have in mind, our bartenders are also trained for more "out of the box" events as part of our signature service packages. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
In addition to bar rentals in Atlanta, GA, Raising the Bar also offers a suite of concessions services for events in Georgia. RTB concessions were born out of the desire to provide a next-generation beverage experience. This service is tailored to brand sponsors who wish to provide consumers with an elevated cocktail experience in a large setting. Special events and festivals in Georgia are only glmb-rowing in popularity. Today, consumers attending these events expect a wider variety of drink choices. They crave a personalized experience, and Raising the Bar is the perfect partner to choose when executing such an event
For brand sponsors, having a partner that provides a memorable consumer experience is crucial for maximizing ROI. Our ability to work with all trade partners (venue owners, brand owners, and distributors) makes their sponsorship money work harder. With more than a decade of experience, a highly trained staff of bartenders, and customizable bar services, we stand tall as Atlanta's most trusted boutique concessions provider. Having worked with many large-scale festivals, sporting events, and corporate events, we are confident that our beverage program gives consumers an unrivaled experience. Equally important, we give brand sponsors a key source of income.
Ready to learn more about how Raising the Bar can transform your boring party into a fun, exciting party?
Our team of experts is ready to help you get started. Contact our office in Atlanta today at 404-826-5945. Before you know it, you'll be sipping a craft cocktail next to a branded bar rental while your guests rave about your amazing event.
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Tens of thousands of households across metro Atlanta were without power Saturday afternoon as the effects of Isaias were felt across much of Georgia.The storm weakened overnight and was no longer considered a hurricane, but flash flooding threats and the potential for tornadoes persisted Saturday as the storm moved inland across Alabama.Some 50,000 households were without power in Georgia as of 2 p.m. Saturday, according to poweroutage.us. The bulk of the outages are in metro Atlanta, including 4,300 in DeKalb County, 2,500 in ...
Tens of thousands of households across metro Atlanta were without power Saturday afternoon as the effects of Isaias were felt across much of Georgia.
The storm weakened overnight and was no longer considered a hurricane, but flash flooding threats and the potential for tornadoes persisted Saturday as the storm moved inland across Alabama.
Some 50,000 households were without power in Georgia as of 2 p.m. Saturday, according to poweroutage.us. The bulk of the outages are in metro Atlanta, including 4,300 in DeKalb County, 2,500 in Gwinnett, 2,000 in Fulton, 600 in Cobb and 200 in Clayton.
Some 40 flights were canceled and another 140 were delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to Flight Aware.
The storm caused the postponement or cancellation of roadwork projects, school activities and notable local events across metro Atlanta on Saturday.
Isaias, now considered a post-tropical cyclone, made landfall Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, then quickly moved north through Alabama.
Early Saturday, Isaias was about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama and nearly 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Birmingham, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph), the National Hurricane Center said Saturday. It is expected to move into the Tennessee Valley and then the mid-Atlantic on Sunday.
All tropical storm and storm surge warnings have been discontinued. But forecasters warned that conditions could stir up tornadoes across parts of the Florida Panhandle and into Georgia and the Carolinas.
A high wind warning and a flood watch remain in effect in North and Central Georgia until Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winds of 15-25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph are expected in the area. The wind will continue to blow down trees and power lines, causing more power outages and making travel difficult.
Post Tropical Cyclone Isaias will continue to bring heavy rainfall to the area through Saturday night.
Excessive runoff from the rainfall may cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding also may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
“As Isaias continues to move through Georgia, we are monitoring its impacts statewide,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote on X on Saturday morning. “This morning, I spoke with [FEMA] Administrator Hamilton to ensure we remain in close contact and are ready to respond wherever needed.”
A state of emergency remains in effect in Georgia through Oct. 15.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
With the Southeast bracing for Hurricane Isaias, storm preparedness may be key for Georgia residents who could be impacted by the threatening system.Isaias is expected to drum up strong winds, heavy rain and other hazards between late Friday and early Sunday in the southeastern region, forecasters told Patch on Thursday.They say flooding and power outages may arise in Georgia.The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency on Thursday advised residents should be prepared for power outages.The state a...
With the Southeast bracing for Hurricane Isaias, storm preparedness may be key for Georgia residents who could be impacted by the threatening system.
Isaias is expected to drum up strong winds, heavy rain and other hazards between late Friday and early Sunday in the southeastern region, forecasters told Patch on Thursday.
They say flooding and power outages may arise in Georgia.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency on Thursday advised residents should be prepared for power outages.
The state agency suggested people have ready kits that include a three-day supply of food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable phone charger and a first aid kit.
In detail, GEMA/HS advises ready kits have the following:
Other items can be prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water, important family documents, cash or traveler’s checks and change, emergency reference material, sleeping bag or warm blanket, a change of clothing, household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper, fire extinguisher, matches, feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, paper and pencil, as well as books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Georgia Power does not recommend people approach downed power lines and said people should assume lines are "electrified and life-threatening."
Georgia Power also cautioned against people touching others who have made contact with a downed power line.
As people search for other sources of light or heat, Georgia Power said people should not leave candles unattended and should ventilate fireplaces.
Space heaters should be kept away from curtains and other objects and should be only placed on level surfaces.
Georgia Power warned of the "deadly levels of carbon monoxide" in gas generators, which should not be used in a small space.
"If you feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, find fresh air right away. If you feel seriously ill, seek medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning," Georgia Power stated.
The American Red Cross has tips for selecting generators, using them at home and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Inundation is possible with Isaias due to heavy rainfall. Weather experts say flooding is likely in Georgia.
Here are some flood safety tips from GEMA/HS:
Before Flooding
During Flooding
After Flooding
Mayor’s Office of CommunicationsAtlanta Neighborhood Collective Launches to Accelerate Neighborhood Investment and Opportunity Across AtlantaNew nonprofit will advance Mayor Andre Dickens’ Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative; Donovan Lee-Sin named inaugural executive director.ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress today announced the launch of Atlanta Neighborhood Collective, a lasting nonprofit organization founded to advance the work of Mayor ...
Mayor’s Office of Communications
Atlanta Neighborhood Collective Launches to Accelerate Neighborhood Investment and Opportunity Across Atlanta
New nonprofit will advance Mayor Andre Dickens’ Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative; Donovan Lee-Sin named inaugural executive director.
ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress today announced the launch of Atlanta Neighborhood Collective, a lasting nonprofit organization founded to advance the work of Mayor Andre Dickens’ historic Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative (NRI). The organization will center the voices of residents and dedicate itself to advancing the work of local nonprofit neighborhood partner organizations in support of the Mayor’s broad NRI vision.
They also announced the appointment of Donovan Lee-Sin as the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective inaugural Executive Director, marking a significant milestone in a long-term effort to expand opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for families across Atlanta.
Lee-Sin was selected for his proven ability to build trust, align diverse partners, and translate ambitious community visions into measurable action. A local search committee selected Lee-Sin following a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with BoardWalk Consulting, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit leadership recruitment.
“Atlanta’s neighborhoods are the foundation of our city’s strength,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “When children and families have access to the resources they need to thrive, our entire city moves forward. NRI is helping create that future, and Lee-Sin brings the experience, collaborative spirit, and commitment needed to translate vision into action. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue building Atlanta into the best major city to thrive and raise every child.”
Lee-Sin brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning, community development, civic engagement, philanthropy and public policy. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations navigate complex challenges, build trust across sectors, and improve outcomes for children and families. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Community Impact for Augusta National Golf Club, where he led the organization's philanthropic and community investment initiatives. Previously, he held roles with The Children’s Trust, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
“Where a person lives in Atlanta should not determine their opportunities, yet we know too many families still face barriers based on their neighborhood,” said Courtney English, Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Dickens. “NRI is an opportunity to address those disparities and create pathways for residents to thrive. Lee-Sin is the right leader for this work. He knows how to bring people together around a shared purpose and stay focused on results. This is our chance to meet the moment, and I am confident Lee-Sin will help build on the momentum already underway to create lasting impact.”
The Atlanta Neighborhood Collective will facilitate coordinated strategies across seven founding NRI neighborhood areas, implementing a collective strategic plan developed by a coalition of nonprofit, place-based Neighborhood Partner Organizations together with the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress. Applying best practices in place-based community development, the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective will align investments, partnerships, and community priorities to support long-term neighborhood health. Through shared accountability and resident engagement, NRI seeks to expand economic mobility while building on existing community strengths.
"The promise of NRI lies in what we can collectively accomplish when Atlanta residents, neighborhood leaders, and partners work together around a shared purpose," said Lee-Sin. "I am honored to join this effort and humbled by the opportunity to serve. My commitment is to listen first, build on the strengths and leadership already present in every neighborhood, and help turn shared priorities into coordinated action and measurable outcomes. By earning trust, strengthening partnerships, and remaining accountable to residents, we can create meaningful progress that expands opportunities for Atlantans that endures for generations."
“As the Mayor reminds us, Atlanta is a group project, and NRI is the manifestation of that collective spirit,” said Marty Flanagan, ACP NRI Taskforce lead and former CEO, Invesco. “With Lee-Sin at the helm, the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective is well positioned to build the next enduring Atlanta movement. ACP is honored to partner with Mayor Dickens and our local partners to contribute to its lasting success.”
“Atlanta has a long history of doing big things well, and strategic partnership is the foundation of those achievements. The Atlanta Neighborhood Collective follows the successful paths trod by other Atlanta collective action initiatives,” said Megan Sparks, Senior Advisor to Mayor Dickens. “This organization will ensure residents and their visions for their communities stay at the heart of NRI’s cross-sector investments.”
Marvin Nesbitt, President of Focused Community Strategies, the NRI Neighborhood Partner Organization (NPO) for the Thomasville Heights and Historic South Atlanta communities, shared his excitement for the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective. “As the leader of Focused Community Strategies, nothing is more important to us than the vision of our neighborhood residents,” Nesbitt said. “I’m excited to see the strong history of building community trust and getting big things done that Lee-Sin brings to this work. We look forward to having someone like him in our corner as we seek to ensure every Atlantan has the opportunity to thrive.”
The Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative (NRI) is a long-term effort to increase economic mobility and improve outcomes for children and families in Atlanta. Guided by the belief that residents are essential partners in creating lasting change, NRI aligns public, private, philanthropic, and community resources around locally informed priorities and shared measures of success.
Launched through the leadership of the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress, the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective focuses on creating neighborhood-driven change in the NRI founding neighborhood areas of: Thomasville Heights, English Avenue/Vine City, Grove Park/Bankhead, West Hollowell, East Campbellton, West Campbellton, and Downtown and Mechanicsville. Through coordinated investment and sustained partnership, the initiative seeks to expand opportunity, strengthen community assets, and help more Atlanta families thrive.
Foundational support for the Atlanta Neighborhood Collective includes leadership and support from the Atlanta Committee for Progress, the City of Atlanta, and Purpose Built Communities. Locally the work is being led with the support and partnership of the NRI Neighborhood Partner Organizations (NPOs) – Atlanta Downtown, Focused Community Strategies, Grove Park Foundation, West Hollowell Foundation, and Westside Future Fund. Blue Meridian Partners, in collaboration with Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, is considering an additional investment to help catalyze local and regional stakeholders. This work moves forward alongside a growing coalition of residents, businesses, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, educational institutions, and civic leaders committed to Atlanta's future.
Lee-Sin holds a Master of Public Administration from Florida International University and a Bachelors from Belhaven University. His first day in this role will be October 12, 2026. Visit atlneighborhoods.org to learn more.
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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.
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Angel Reese is on a dream run with Atlanta. She wasn't afraid to manifest her own success, and the Dream has turned that ambition into reality. After sweeping the New York Liberty in the WNBA semifinals, the 24-year-old is heading to the biggest stage of her professional career. And a former NBA star has a message for her that perfectly captures the moment.For the past two seasons, Angel Reese was watching playoffs from home. Last year in October, the forward posted, "manifesting the finals>>>" on social media. Befo...
Angel Reese is on a dream run with Atlanta. She wasn't afraid to manifest her own success, and the Dream has turned that ambition into reality. After sweeping the New York Liberty in the WNBA semifinals, the 24-year-old is heading to the biggest stage of her professional career. And a former NBA star has a message for her that perfectly captures the moment.
For the past two seasons, Angel Reese was watching playoffs from home. Last year in October, the forward posted, "manifesting the finals>>>" on social media. Before the year is even completed, she revisited that post after Atlanta punched its ticket to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. Her follow-up tweet was "364 DAYS LATER…"
After public friction with the Chicago Sky, she was traded to the Atlanta Dream before the season. And now she was crucial in leading the Dream. Lou Williams recognized the effort and has publicly supported her since arriving in Atlanta.
"You're a winner big dawg," wrote the former three-time Sixth Man of the Year on X.
Atlanta defeated New York 85-83 in Game 3 on Friday, completing a three-game sweep of the 2024 champions. Angel Reese finished with a team-high 22 points and also contributed with nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Her performance helped the fourth-seeded Dream withstand a late Liberty rally and secure their place in the championship series.
Rhyne Howard added 21 points, while Jordin Canada recorded 19 points and 11 assists. The contributions made sure Atlanta didn't let New York dictate the closing minutes.
The Liberty had already shown how dangerous they could be. After Atlanta built a 44-39 halftime advantage, New York responded in the third quarter and took a 68-66 lead into the fourth. The Dream had to recover quickly, and they did just enough to hold on.
Angel Reese also delivered when the game tightened in the final seconds, helping Atlanta protect its narrow advantage. Her scoring, rebounding, and presence inside proved crucial against a Liberty team that had entered the postseason with championship expectations. This marked the culmination of a goal she had publicly declared a year earlier.
"I manifested this," an emotional Reese said in an interview after the game. "When I came to Atlanta, I knew what I was getting. This team has poured so much into me – we pour so much into each other. I posted and tweeted 10/10/25 that I was manifesting the finals, and this is my moment. I'm supposed to be here. I thank God for this moment. And I'm just so thankful."
Atlanta's 3-0 series victory might look straightforward on paper, but the Dream had to survive two tense finishes.
Game 1 ended with a 92-82 Atlanta win after the Dream took control in the second half. Their 32-15 advantage in the third quarter proved decisive, giving them the early momentum they needed. Game 2 was a different story.
Atlanta escaped with a 101-98 overtime victory, with Angel Reese and Canada scoring 23 points apiece. Head coach Karl Smesko's group carried that resilience into Brooklyn. Even when Liberty seized control in the third quarter of Game 3, Atlanta didn't fold.
Their ability to respond to adversity has become a defining part of this postseason run. One more step toward the championship. The Dream are in a familiar position, as they reached the Finals three times before. But 2010, 2011, and 2013 were disappointments. So, 2026 gives the franchise and Angel Reese a chance to help deliver the franchise's first title.
The Golden State Valkyries, meanwhile, secured their own Finals berth by eliminating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. The best-of-seven championship series is scheduled to begin on October 17 in San Francisco.
Angel Reese will now face a different challenge against an expansion franchise that has already exceeded expectations in just its second season. Atlanta's experience and depth will matter, but so will Reese's ability to maintain the form she showed against New York.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — It might be soggy. It might be windy. And it might be one of the best games of the year.Week 6 of the college football season arrived with a marquee showdown in the Southeastern Conference: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 6 Alabama on a Saturday night in Tuscaloosa shadowed by the arrival of a hurricane along the Gulf Coast.The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.Former UGA quarterback Jake Fromm joins ANF Sports Director Baillie Burmaster, along with former bulldogs Drew Butler and Rennie Curran, ...
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — It might be soggy. It might be windy. And it might be one of the best games of the year.
Week 6 of the college football season arrived with a marquee showdown in the Southeastern Conference: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 6 Alabama on a Saturday night in Tuscaloosa shadowed by the arrival of a hurricane along the Gulf Coast.
The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Former UGA quarterback Jake Fromm joins ANF Sports Director Baillie Burmaster, along with former bulldogs Drew Butler and Rennie Curran, to recap the action. ANF Sports Anchor Connor Hines is in Tuscaloosa for the game.
The game had the usual high stakes that tend to come any time the Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC) and Crimson Tide (5-0, 3-0) get together of late: The winner gets a boost in making the SEC championship game, a top resume-builder for College Football Playoff seeding and perhaps a chance at bumping No. 1 Texas out of the top spot in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday.
This isn’t your typical rivalry where the schools are on each other’s schedule every season. Seven of the last 11 meetings have taken place at neutral sites — five SEC championship games and two national title games — and only four were regular-season games. That makes this one, with its 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff, worth savoring.
Georgia has not won in in Tuscaloosa since 2007 but has another suffocating defense and under-the-radar quarterback Gunner Stockton is heading an offense that leads the nation at 51.4 points per game.
Alabama counters with Heisman Trophy contender Keelon Russell at QB and an offense averaging 49.6 points per game, third nationally. Its defense was lights out a week ago in shutting down Mississippi State and turning a highly anticipated game into a blowout.
— Wake Forest (4-1, 2-1 ACC) plays at N.C. State (3-2, 1-1) in a noon Eastern game with the Demon Deacons knocking on the door of the Top 25. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Miami and they are now seeking a third road win against a power-conference opponent.
— The SEC’s third unbeaten team is top-ranked Texas (4-0, 1-0), which faces Oklahoma (2-2, 0-1) in the annual Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Neither offense is firing on all cylinders and the Sooners will need to protect QB John Mateer from Texas pass-rusher extraordinaire Colin Simmons.
— No. 21 UCLA (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) visits No. 13 Oregon (3-1, 1-0) in an intriguing game that kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. First-year UCLA coach Bob Chesney was at James Madison last year when his Dukes lost 51-34 to Oregon in the first round of the playoff. The Ducks will start backup Dylan Raiola in place of injured QB Dante Moore, but Oregon should give UCLA a true measure of how far it has come after beating its first four opponents by an average margin of 26 points.
— No. 22 Houston (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) is at Kansas State (3-1, 0-1) in another 3:30 p.m. Eastern game that will help set the pecking order in a conference top-heavy with No. 8 BYU, No. 11 Texas Tech and No. 12 Utah. Houston’s only loss came when the Cougars missed by inches on a 2-point conversion in the final minute of a 28-26 loss at Texas Tech. Kansas State is one of eight Bowl Subdivision teams ranked in the top 25 in total offense, total defense, scoring offense and scoring defense.
— Big Ten after dark? No. 19 Southern California (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) is at Penn State (3-2, 0-2) in the home team’s annual “White Out” game with an 8:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff. The Trojans make their first trip to Penn State since 1994 while the home team and first-year coach Matt Campbell are trying to snap a two-game skid that dropped the Nittany Lions out of the Top 25.
