In a close game, Alabama can ill-afford to be down any players. With Qua Russaw already out of the game with an injury, Tide starting defensive tackle James Smith was ejected in the third quarter following a questionable targeting call.
It was not called on the field, but the booth rang down and ruled Smith had committed targeting upon review. The junior defensive tackle did lead with his helmet, but it did not look like forcible contact and he hit the Georgia running back in the chest - not the head.
Alabama was struggling to stop the run, even with Smith.