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ATLANTA — On Wednesday night at State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Dream didn’t just host a basketball game. They threw a full-blown Atlanta block party that doubled as a championship statement, and the Golden State Valkyries never recovered.
The 2026 WNBA Finals Game 3 was originally slated for the Dream’s usual home, the intimate 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena.
Dream Dominate 2026 WNBA Finals Game 3A late schedule shuffle with the Hawks and the arena moved it (and Game 4) into the 17,000-plus-seat State Farm Arena so more fans could witness the franchise’s first Finals home game in 13 years. The city answered. It was a sellout blue-out—matching sky-blue T-shirts, rally towels, and a roar so loud in the first quarter that a press-row observer couldn’t hear the referee’s whistle.
Fans sang along with the night’s rotating cast of Atlanta hip-hop royalty. Quavo and T.I. headlined halftime with a set that included “Backwards” and “Hotel Lobby” (complete with Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk in a fluffy white coat and iced-out chain). Dem Franchize Boyz brought “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” 2 Chainz, Lil Scrappy, Skooly, and others performed during timeouts and stoppages.
Courtside featured Kerry Washington, Ludacris (with his kids), Cam Newton, and a constellation of local stars. The aroma of chicken and fish mixed with the noise. Late in the game the crowd swag-surfed. When the final buzzer sounded on the 97-71 blowout, DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” blared and fans sent the visitors off with the city’s unofficial battle cry: “ATL hoe!”
Angel Reese, who finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds (her third consecutive Finals double-double, the youngest player to do so), soaked it in. “When you can have at the end of the quarter a performance, and at the timeout another performance. You smell the chicken, you smell the fish. It’s a blue-out in here,” she said. “I didn’t even get to see Kerry. You don’t know who you gonna see in the A.” She also noted the energy matched the team’s mentality: “Y’all not taking this from us.”
On the floor the Dream matched the spectacle. They held the Valkyries scoreless for the first five minutes and never truly relinquished control. Atlanta shot 49.3 percent, forced 17 turnovers that became 22 points, and dominated inside. Rhyne Howard added 16 points and five steals (continuing a Finals trend of defensive disruption). Naz Hillmon scored 15.
Jordin Canada facilitated with 10 points and eight assists. Five Dream players reached double figures in a balanced attack that overwhelmed a Valkyries team built on depth and defense. Gabby Williams led Golden State with 15 points (on inefficient shooting), and Tiffany Hayes added 14, but the visitors could never sustain a run.
Reese, the Defensive Player of the Year, mixed production with presence—draining threes, finishing inside, and jawing at the Valkyries bench after tough baskets. Her former LSU coach Kim Mulkey watched courtside in a blued-out pantsuit and later told her, in essence, to go get it and not stop. Reese later reflected that winning a title with this group would feel even more special than her college championship.
The Valkyries had built Ballhalla at Chase Center into one of the league’s toughest environments. On this night Atlanta answered with its own version of home-court advantage: louder, more culturally specific, and backed by a team that has now won two straight after dropping Game 1. The Dream lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 and host Game 4 on Saturday back at State Farm Arena. Two more wins and the franchise claims its first title. Golden State faces a must-win on the road in front of a crowd that has already shown it can turn the building into a trap.
The atmosphere wasn’t just noise. It was Atlanta fully present for a team worth believing in—rap, food, celebrities, and a roaring sixth man that helped turn a potential logistical compromise into a championship-series advantage. The Dream protected home court. The city showed up and showed out. The Valkyries left with a 26-point loss and a clear reminder of what they’re up against.
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The 2026 WNBA Finals shift to Atlanta for a pivotal Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, with the series tied 1-1. The No. 4-seed Atlanta Dream host the No. 2-seed Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena in a best-of-seven series that will crown a first-time champion.
How to Watch WNBA Finals Game 3
Both teams swept their semifinal opponents (the Dream over the New York Liberty, the Valkyries over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces). Golden State took Game 1 68-64 at Chase Center. Atlanta responded with a 79-65 road win in Game 2, powered by Angel Reese’s 30 points and 16 rebounds—the franchise’s first Finals victory after entering the series 0-10 all-time in Finals games.
Game 3 Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- Series: Tied 1-1
The Dream’s home games were moved to the larger State Farm Arena (roughly 17,000 seats, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks) from the smaller Gateway Center Arena (about 3,500 capacity). Game 3 was also shifted a day earlier from the original Thursday slot. Reports indicate Game 3 is a sellout of the full arena.
TV and Streaming Options
Television: USA Network and CNBC (simulcast).15
Streaming: Peacock streams every game of the Finals (Peacock Premium required).
Live-TV streaming services that carry USA Network and CNBC (such as DirecTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV) also provide access. Peacock is the most straightforward single-service option for the entire series.
Rest of the Series Schedule (All Times ET)
- Game 4: Saturday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. at Atlanta — NBC / Peacock
- Game 5:* Monday, October 26, 8:00 p.m. at Golden State — USA / CNBC / Peacock
- Game 6:* Thursday, October 29, 8:00 p.m. at Atlanta — USA / CNBC / Peacock
- Game 7:* Saturday, October 31, 8:00 p.m. at Golden State — USA / CNBC / Peacock
*If necessary. The higher-seeded Valkyries hold home-court advantage in the 2-2-1-1-1 format.
Key Storylines
Atlanta returns home looking to build on Reese’s dominant Game 2 and strong contributions from players like Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada. The Dream enter on a strong playoff run and will benefit from a much larger, louder home crowd than their usual venue allows.
Golden State, coached by Natalie Nakase in just its second season, is chasing history as a potential first-year-2 expansion champion. The Valkyries boast the league’s top defense (led by players including Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Kiah Stokes) and will try to regain control after a turnover-plagued Game 2.
The matchup pits two hungry, first-time Finals contenders against each other in a series already defined by tight defense and big individual performances. Tune in Wednesday night for Game 3.
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Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream tips off Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.1
The Valkyries hold a 1-0 series lead after a 68-64 Game 1 win at Chase Center in San Francisco on October 17 (Game 2 was played October 19). Both franchises are seeking their first WNBA title in this best-of-seven series (2-2-1-1-1 format). Game 3 marks the start of Atlanta’s home games and was moved from the originally scheduled Thursday, October 22, to accommodate the larger venue.15
State Farm Arena (home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, with roughly 17,000 seats) replaces the Dream’s usual smaller Gateway Center Arena to provide a bigger atmosphere for the first WNBA Finals games in the Atlanta market since 2013.1
TV Broadcast Details
Game 3 airs live on USA Network and CNBC.15
- On traditional cable or satellite (such as DIRECTV, where USA Network is typically channel 242), simply tune to either network.
- Check your local provider’s channel guide, as numbers can vary by market.
Games 1 and 4 of the Finals are on NBC; Games 2, 3, and any of 5–7 are primarily on USA Network (with CNBC simulcasts for several).
Streaming Options
Peacock streams every game of the 2026 WNBA Finals, including a simulstream of the USA Network coverage for Game 3.
- Peacock Premium (ad-supported, includes live sports) is $12.99/month or $129.99/year as of the August 2026 price adjustment.
- Peacock Premium Plus (mostly ad-free, with additional features) is $19.99/month or $199.99/year.
Sign up or log in via the Peacock app or peacocktv.com. Coverage is also available through the USA Network and CNBC apps with a qualifying provider login.
Cable Alternatives and Live TV Streaming Services
If you prefer a broader live-TV package without traditional cable, several services carry USA Network and/or CNBC:
- YouTube TV — Carries USA Network and CNBC (along with NBC for other games); base plans typically start around $80+/month and include unlimited DVR.
- Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and Sling TV — Confirmed carriers of the relevant networks for Finals coverage in various lineups.
- Availability can vary slightly by package and location; confirm the channel lineup before subscribing. Some services offer free trials.
Note: WNBA League Pass does not provide live access to these nationally televised Finals games in the United States due to blackout rules for national broadcasts.
Quick Tips
- Start time is firm at 8 p.m. ET unless otherwise updated by the league.
- For Bay Area fans unable to travel, the Valkyries have hosted official watch parties at Chase Center for away Finals games.
- Tickets for the Atlanta games were made available via the Dream’s site; check secondary markets if interested in attending in person.
This setup gives fans multiple flexible ways to watch whether you have cable, prefer pure streaming, or want a full live-TV bundle. Tune in Wednesday night as the series shifts to Atlanta for what should be a high-energy Game 3.
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The Atlanta Falcons have signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and released Cooper Rush in a corresponding roster move, according to multiple reports on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Sources including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the transaction. Dalton, most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, arrives as experienced depth for a 2-4 Falcons team that has navigated injuries and inconsistent play at the position.
Atlanta Falcons Sign Veteran Andy Dalton Over Quarterback Situation
Atlanta has carried four quarterbacks for much of the season: starter Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Rush, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Penix has dealt with injury issues, including recovery from a prior ACL injury and a recent rib issue, while Tagovailoa missed early time with an oblique injury.
Rush started the first two games while the others were sidelined. He completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. The Falcons scored a combined 16 points in those contests.
Penix has since taken over as the clear starter. He returned for Sunday’s 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears and said he came through the game healthy. Tagovailoa saw action in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens and threw a game-ending interception in overtime.
The expected depth chart places Penix as QB1, Tagovailoa as QB2, Dalton as QB3, and Strand as QB4. Some reports suggest Dalton could compete with Tagovailoa for the primary backup role given both players’ injury histories.
Andy Dalton’s Path to Atlanta
The 38-year-old Dalton is in his 16th NFL season and has started 169 games. A three-time Pro Bowl selection (2011, 2014, 2016) during his long tenure as the Cincinnati Bengals’ starter from 2011 to 2019, he has career totals of 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, and 152 interceptions (62.6% completion rate) across stints with the Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Eagles.
Dalton began 2026 with the Eagles after a trade from the Panthers. He appeared in one game, throwing an interception on his only pass attempt while filling in briefly for Jalen Hurts. The Eagles released him on October 9. When Hurts later went on injured reserve with a blood clot issue, Philadelphia reportedly offered Dalton a return, but he declined and chose Atlanta instead.
With the Panthers from 2023 to 2025, he started seven games and showed solid efficiency in limited action, including a 67.6% completion rate on 37 attempts for 293 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 2025.
Why Release Cooper Rush?
Rush, a former Cowboys backup who also played for the Ravens in 2025, signed with Atlanta in July amid early-season injury concerns for Penix and Tagovailoa. His early starts were ineffective, and once the other quarterbacks returned, his role diminished to emergency depth. Cutting him to free a 53-man roster spot for Dalton was widely viewed as the logical move, as Tagovailoa remains the preferred backup and Strand offers longer-term developmental upside.
Outlook
For a Falcons team sitting second in a tight NFC South race (behind the 3-2 Panthers), the addition provides insurance. Penix has shown promise when healthy, but the team’s three losses this season have come in games he did not finish. Dalton brings a proven, if no longer elite, arm and extensive experience operating NFL offenses as a reliable veteran presence.
Atlanta next faces the undefeated San Francisco 49ers at home on October 25. Whether Dalton sees the field will depend on the health of those ahead of him on the depth chart.
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The Atlanta Dream is bringing the excitement of its historic 2026 WNBA Finals run into neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta with a network of free official watch parties. The team announced the “All for Atlanta” initiative on October 16, inviting fans to gather at participating bars, restaurants, and community spaces to cheer on the Dream during both home and away games.
The series pits the fourth-seeded Dream against the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven matchup that will crown a first-time WNBA champion. Game 1 took place Saturday, October 17, in San Francisco, where the Valkyries edged the Dream 68-64.
Atlanta Dream Watch Parties: What To Know
The series continues with Game 2 on Monday, October 19, at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center, before shifting to Atlanta for Games 3 (Wednesday, October 21, 8 p.m. ET) and 4 (Saturday, October 24, 1 p.m. ET) at State Farm Arena.
The free watch parties extend the Finals experience beyond the arena, creating gathering spots for Dreamers to show their pride with fellow fans, exclusive giveaways, and the energy of championship basketball.
Venues are spread across Downtown/Central Atlanta, East Atlanta and the Beltline, and North Atlanta/greater metro areas. More locations may be added—check the team’s official channels and atlantadream.com for updates, and confirm age restrictions or specific game-day details directly with each venue.
Official Watch Party Locations
Downtown and Central Atlanta
- Jolene Jolene (Kirkwood) — 1963 Hosea L. Williams Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
- The Beverly (Grant Park) — 790 Glenwood Ave SE, Suite 260, Atlanta, GA 30316
- Hudson Grille Midtown — 942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Hudson Grille Downtown — 120 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (select dates)
- STATS Brewpub (Downtown) — 300 Marietta St NW, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Tom, Dick, and Hank (College Park) — 3807 Main St, Atlanta, GA 30337
- Park Tavern (Midtown) — 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (select dates)
- SweetWater Brewing Company (Amour District) — 195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
East Atlanta and the Beltline
- McCray’s Tavern Beltline / Duke’s Hideaway — 670 DeKalb Ave NE, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Hudson Grille Tucker — 2075 Northlake Pkwy, Tucker, GA 30084
North Atlanta and Greater Metro
- Hudson Grille Sandy Springs — 6317 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
- Hudson Grille Kennesaw — 2500 Cobb Place Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
- JR Crickets Cascade
These community hubs give fans a chance to rally together whether the Dream is playing on the road in San Francisco or hosting at State Farm Arena. The initiative underscores the team’s message of celebrating across ATL and bringing the Finals experience to neighborhoods citywide. Dreamers are encouraged to show up, wear their gear, and support the team in its push for the franchise’s first championship.
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No. 2 Georgia (5-0) travels to Auburn in a tough SEC matchup on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Who will win?
Georgia is coming off a close win over Alabama, where they looked every bit as good as the headlines say they are.
Here’s your guide to how to watch Georgia Bulldogs vs. Auburn — what channel it’s on, when it starts, how to stream or listen, and the best ways to catch all the action.
If you don’t have tickets to the game, you’ll want to watch it on TV. This article will show you how.
The Georgia Bulldogs regular schedule is a tough one, but so are the Dawgs. Wanna watch?How To Watch The Georgia Game
- Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 — Kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa
- Matchup: No. 1 Georgia (5-0) vs. Auburn Tigers (3-2)
- TV: ABC
Where to Watch (Live on TV & Streaming)
- The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
- If you don’t have cable or standard TV service, you can stream the game via major live-TV streaming services that carry ABC, including: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DIRECTV Stream, and in some markets, Sling TV
- Streaming: FuboTV (Free Trial)
Georgia vs. Auburn: A History
Georgia leads the all-time series 66-56-8 through 130 meetings (as of the 2025 game), in what both schools call the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. The series dates to February 20, 1892, and has been played nearly annually since then (with gaps in 1893, 1897, 1917–18, and 1943). It is the second-most-played rivalry in FBS football
Final Word
The Georgia Bulldogs, a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), tend to play a few games against smaller schools as part of their non-conference schedule. With the expansion of the conference, a tougher schedule means they can lose every week they play. But Kirby is ready.
Football is a religion in the South. Want to leave the house? Catch all the games at your favorite local bar.
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The Atlanta Dream and Atlanta Hawks issued a joint statement Tuesday announcing that Games 3 and 4 of the 2026 WNBA Finals will be played at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.
Game 3 is set for Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m., with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. The Saturday game is part of a basketball doubleheader; the Hawks will host the Houston Rockets at 8:30 p.m. that evening in their 2026-27 regular-season home opener.
Atlanta Dream and Hawks Say WNBA Finals Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena
The Dream, who advanced to the Finals by sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals, will face the Golden State Valkyries. The series begins Saturday, October 17, in Golden State, with the higher-seeded Valkyries holding home-court advantage. Neither franchise has previously won a WNBA championship; this marks the Dream’s first Finals appearance since 2013 and the Valkyries’ first in just their second season as a franchise.
The move relocates the Dream’s home games from Gateway Center Arena. In the joint statement, the organizations noted that shifting the games required significant collaboration among the Dream, Hawks, NBA, WNBA, Golden State Valkyries, and broadcast partners amid a tight timeline and scheduling conflicts.
“Ensuring that Games 3 and 4 of the Finals will be played at State Farm Arena is an important moment for the Dream’s players, fans, the organization and the city of Atlanta and is a testament to the extraordinary momentum of the team, women’s basketball and the growing impact of women’s sports,” the statement said.
The official Atlanta Dream account posted on X urging fans to “show up and show all the way out” at State Farm Arena, directing them to early ticket access. Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.; fans can join the Priority List or general presale via atlantadream.com.
The announcement resolves earlier uncertainty about the Dream’s Finals home venue and creates a high-profile basketball showcase in Atlanta.
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Alabama fans threw bottles, cans, and other objects toward Georgia players near the tunnel after the Bulldogs’ controversial 20-17 win at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
No. 2 Georgia defeated No. 6 Alabama in a tight SEC matchup that left the Crimson Tide with their first loss of the season (dropping them to 5-1 overall, 3-1 SEC). The Bulldogs improved to 6-0 (4-0 SEC). Frustration boiled over after late controversial officiating decisions and a costly personal foul, with videos showing projectiles raining down as Georgia players headed off the field. Georgia staffers quickly directed players to put their helmets back on for protection.
Georgia Players Pelted With Objects Thrown by Alabama Fans
Debris littered the crimson end zone near the tunnel; one water bottle landed near a cheerleader’s feet, and a Georgia staffer appeared to catch another object mid-air. ESPN and local reporters (including Alison Mastrangelo of WSBTV and Matt Stahl of AL.com) shared footage of the incident.
The game featured several disputed calls that fueled the postgame anger. In the third quarter, an apparent Alabama interception deep in Georgia territory was overturned on review (with ABC analyst Kirk Herbstreit noting a lack of definitive evidence that the ball hit the turf). Late in the fourth, officials did not flag what many Alabama fans and the sideline viewed as clear pass interference on a throw toward the end zone involving Georgia’s KJ Bolden (and contact with Alabama’s Rico Scott).
On the next play, Bolden helped sack Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, pushing the Tide out of field-goal range. Alabama then needed a stop to get the ball back, but cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. was called for a personal foul after a shove, giving Georgia a first down and allowing the Bulldogs to run out the clock.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the emotional late-game moment involving Lee and the broader need for composure. “Yeah, we just we preach emotional maturity,” DeBoer told reporters, adding he “would have never expected that to happen.”
He also said of the officiating’s role: “We can’t put the game in the situation where the officials come into play. We got to control the things we control.” DeBoer was captured on video confronting Lee on the sideline, reportedly telling him he had “cost us the damn game.” Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell took a measured view of the calls, saying there were “no questionable calls.”
Georgia coach Kirby Smart focused postgame praise on Russell rather than the fan behavior, calling him “an elite athlete, an elite player” who will “be hell in this league for two years.”
Alabama fans voiced heavy criticism of the officials on social media and in response to the team’s posts. Comments included “You got ripped off. You played well enough to win” and “Refs lost this game for Bama,” citing the overturned interception, the no-call pass interference, and other disputed plays.
One Georgia-affiliated account noted the bottles and cans and observed that Alabama fans “aren’t taking the loss well,” while some Alabama supporters online apologized for the behavior. No immediate public statements from University of Alabama administrators, athletics officials, law enforcement, or Georgia players specifically addressing the object-throwing were widely reported in the hours after the game.
In the SEC, throwing debris or objects onto the field is treated as a serious sportsmanship and game-management violation. Recent precedents include $250,000 fines: the University of Texas was assessed that amount in 2024 after fans threw debris during a loss to Georgia (with requirements to identify and ban involved individuals from athletics events and review game-management/alcohol policies), and LSU received the same fine for fans throwing bottles during a loss to Alabama. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has stated that such actions “cannot be part of any SEC event.”
Bylaws note that using cans or plastic bottles as projectiles can trigger an immediate fine and potential suspension of alcohol sales privileges. (Field-storming fines were separately standardized at $500,000, but debris-throwing has carried the $250,000 level in these cases.) Any potential SEC action regarding the Alabama incident would typically follow a review.
The episode marked an ugly postscript to an otherwise hard-fought, high-stakes rivalry game that carried College Football Playoff implications. Alabama next travels to face Tennessee.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 2 Georgia ended a long dry spell in hostile territory on Saturday night, holding off No. 6 Alabama 20-17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium for its first regular-season victory over the Crimson Tide since 2007 and the first regular-season win for coach Kirby Smart against his former employer.
The tightly contested SEC showdown between two previously undefeated teams featured efficient play from Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, a strong ground game, and timely kicking. Georgia improved to 6-0 (4-0 SEC) and is positioned to move to No. 1 in the rankings after Texas lost earlier in the day. Alabama dropped to 5-1 (3-1 SEC) but remains in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Game Flow and Key Moments
Georgia took an early 3-0 lead on a 43-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring. After a 53-yard strike from Stockton to Jaden Reddell, Stockton found London Humphreys for a 20-yard touchdown, building a 10-0 advantage midway through the second quarter.
Alabama responded with a 58-yard run by Trae’shawn Brown that set up Keelon Russell’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Marshall Pritchett, cutting the deficit to 10-7. The Crimson Tide then took a 14-10 lead into halftime on a 1-yard touchdown run by EJ Crowell as time expired.
Georgia reclaimed the lead early in the third quarter on a 75-yard drive capped by Stockton’s 14-yard rushing touchdown, making it 17-14. Alabama tied the game at 17-17 on a 39-yard field goal by Conor Talty.
The decisive points came with 5:25 remaining. After a drive fueled by explosive runs from Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker, Woodring converted a 23-yard field goal for a 20-17 lead. Georgia’s defense forced a punt, and a late personal foul by Alabama’s Dijon Lee helped the Bulldogs control the clock and seal the victory.
Standout Performances
Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding a rushing score. He delivered several clutch throws, including a critical third-down completion late in the game. Phillips Jr., stepping in for injured starter Nate Frazier, rushed for 120 yards on 17 carries and was central to Georgia’s ball-control approach.
Russell finished 16-of-30 for 185 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times. Trae’shawn Brown provided Alabama’s biggest explosive play with his long run. Georgia outgained Alabama 455-346 in total yards (206 rushing and 249 passing to Alabama’s 161 and 185) and held a significant edge in time of possession (roughly 33:28 to 26:32). Woodring made both of his field goals that counted while missing one earlier attempt.
Historical Significance
The victory is Georgia’s first in Tuscaloosa since a 26-23 overtime win on Sept. 22, 2007, when Matthew Stafford found Mikey Henderson for the game-winning touchdown.
Smart, who won four national titles as Alabama’s defensive coordinator under Nick Saban, had been 0-7 in regular-season meetings with the Crimson Tide and 2-7 overall before Saturday. His previous wins came in the 2022 CFP National Championship and the 2025 SEC Championship Game (a 28-7 victory in Atlanta). Smart is now 3-7 against Alabama.
Alabama leads the all-time series, and the programs have produced numerous high-stakes contests, including multiple SEC and national championship games. This result ends a stretch of five straight regular-season Alabama wins over Georgia dating back to 2008.
Looking Ahead
The win reinforces Georgia as a national title contender under Smart, who has already guided the program to multiple SEC titles and national championships. Alabama, coached by Kalen DeBoer, suffered its first loss but retains a strong playoff path with its overall body of work. Both teams remain central to the SEC and College Football Playoff races.
For Georgia fans, the night marked a long-awaited breakthrough in one of college football’s most demanding environments. The rivalry adds another memorable chapter, with the next meeting likely to carry similar stakes.
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Candace Parker’s 2025 C-tier ranking of Angel Reese looks very different after the forward helped power the Atlanta Dream to the 2026 WNBA Finals.
In a July 2025 Complex Sports segment, WNBA legend Candace Parker ranked select current players by tiers. She placed A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart in the top S tier; Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu in A; Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers in B; and Angel Reese (then with the Chicago Sky) alongside Cameron Brink in C.
Looking Back at Candace Parker’s C-Tier Ranking of Angel Reese
Parker explained the placement directly: “I put her right at that C level. I think in terms of being above, you have to be able to have the ability to carry your team, be a one or two option. I think Angel Reese is fantastic at her role, which is offensive rebounding. She showed and demonstrated so much growth in that first year.”
At the time, Reese was in her second season, averaging roughly 13–15 points and 12-plus rebounds while earning All-Star recognition and piling up double-doubles. Parker’s framework emphasized carrying a team as a primary scoring option and measured Reese against more established, multi-year contributors.
She later addressed backlash on podcasts including Good Follow and Post Moves, stating there was “no hate on Angel Reese,” that she loved the player, and that Reese could reach A or S tier with further development. “Right now, I don’t know if she’s alongside those players. And you’re measuring her against players that have been in the league for years,” Parker said. She framed the exercise as sports analysis rather than personal criticism.
Reese’s 2026 leap and Finals run
Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in April 2026 for the Dream’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks (plus 2028 second-round swap rights). The move placed her on a stronger roster that had finished 30-14 the prior year, alongside players such as Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and others under coach Karl Smesko.
In her first season in Atlanta, Reese averaged 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. She led the league in rebounding, set single-season records for total rebounds (521) and offensive rebounds, recorded a WNBA-record 26-rebound game, and won Defensive Player of the Year—the first in Dream franchise history. She finished first in Defensive Win Shares and had a major positive impact on Atlanta’s defensive rating when on the floor.
The Dream then swept the New York Liberty in the 2026 semifinals (their first Finals appearance since 2013). Reese averaged about 20.7 points in the series and scored a team-high 22 points (plus nine rebounds) in the clinching 85-83 win in Game 3.
She has repeatedly noted that she “manifested” the Finals, referencing a social-media post from the previous year while watching the championship round from home. The Dream enter the Finals (beginning October 17 against the Golden State Valkyries) on a long winning streak and have not lost in the postseason.
Context and development
Parker’s ranking was a snapshot from mid-2025, focused on then-current ability to serve as a primary offensive option amid a limited supporting cast in Chicago (the Sky missed the playoffs in Reese’s first two seasons). Reese’s production, defensive impact, and team success have all risen in Atlanta, where she operates in a better system with more complementary talent.
Parker herself has offered positive comments on Reese’s potential at other times, including describing it as “endless” around her Sky jersey retirement and highlighting Reese’s DPOY push in later 2026 analysis.
Player rankings, especially of young athletes, are inherently provisional. Reese entered the league as a rebounding specialist with clear room to expand her scoring and defensive versatility; the 2026 results show measurable growth on both ends and in high-stakes games.
Whether she is now viewed as an A- or S-tier player depends on the criteria—team-carrying primary option, two-way impact, playoff production, or all-around value—but the gap between the July 2025 assessment and her current role is substantial.
The Finals will provide the next data point. Reese and the Dream face a Valkyries team that swept the defending-champion Aces; success or shortfall will further shape how her trajectory is judged relative to the veterans Parker ranked above her a year earlier.
