Kirby Smart knows Keelon Russell makes Alabama game ‘a great challenge’

Keelon Russell (Getty) STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 03: Keelon Russell #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown during the first half the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

October 6, 2026 at 9:52 a.m. UTC

By Connor Riley, DawgNation

ATHENS — Georgia will have its first ranked game of the year on Saturday when it takes on No. 6 Alabama.

This will be Smart’s 10th time taking on the Crimson Tide as Georgia’s head coach.

Most of these matchups have been for a championship of some kind, whether it be SEC or national.