Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden admitted he would want pass interference called against his team on a controversial late play in Georgia’s 20–17 win over Alabama on October 10, 2026. The sequence involved Alabama wide receiver Rico Scott and occurred with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite contact between Bolden and Scott before the ball arrived, officials did not flag a defensive pass interference.
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell targeted Scott in the end zone during that critical moment. Bolden was shown the footage during an October 12 interview with WSB-TV reporter Zach Klein and explained his thought process. He said Russell’s eyes were on Scott, so he anticipated the pass and moved quickly to make a play because he was unhappy with cornerback Braylon Conley’s positioning. Bolden believed he arrived at the receiver as the ball reached Scott but acknowledged that opinions could differ. Since no flag was thrown, he accepted that officials judged the contact as legal.
When asked what he would want if a similar event happened against Georgia, Bolden said, “I’m not gonna lie. I would want them to call pass interference.” His honesty stands out given he was on the defensive side for the no-call in a game that ended with Georgia’s first regular-season victory at Alabama since 2007.
The play’s aftermath saw Bolden blitzing and sacking Russell on the very next snap, pushing Alabama further away from a field goal chance that might have tied the game. Alabama was forced to punt on fourth down and never regained possession in time to respond.
Through five games that season, Bolden had accumulated 22 tackles and one interception. Georgia’s success has been built on defensive strength, and Bolden’s contributions have been an important part of that.
Georgia was preparing for an upcoming game against Auburn at Sanford Stadium scheduled for October 17, 2026, following their win over Alabama. The Bulldogs were undefeated with six straight wins, including dominant performances over Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and their latest against Alabama.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton had thrown for 1,298 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, while running back Jr. Phillips added 280 rushing yards. Both had been significant on offense for Georgia.
Injuries affected Georgia’s backfield as running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens missed the Alabama game. Frazier had 211 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 26 carries, including three scores in the season opener and an 80-yard, one-touchdown game against Arkansas. Bowens had 124 yards and six touchdowns on 35 carries, with multiple touchdowns spread across games against Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt. Neither player’s status for the Auburn game had been announced.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer protested the no-call on the sideline immediately after the contested pass attempt. His frustration continued after the game, with reports of tense moments and criticism directed at players following the loss. Alabama fans were also noted for their reactions postgame, drawing criticism for their conduct.
The incident involving Bolden and Scott remains a talking point from the match, with Bolden’s admission adding a rare perspective from a player directly involved. It highlights the ongoing debates around officiating in crucial moments of high-stakes college football games.
According to Yahoo Sports.
