Hurricane Isaias forces changes at Atlanta-Georgia showdown with game under threat

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Alabama’s clash with Georgia is still going ahead as it stands, but Hurricane Isaias has already forced some changes.President Donald Trump will no longer attend the showdown between the 5-0 rivals, which is set for 6:30 CT in Tuscaloosa.New Orleans has already been hit by high watersGettyBryant-Denny Stadium is set to be hit by heavy rainGettyIsaias made landfall as a Category 2 storm and will pass through the area today.ESPN College GameDay has moved its broadcast into Coleman Coliseum, which houses the Crimson Tide basketball and gymnastics programs.Bryce Young is appearing as guest picker.Although significant rainfall is expected, there should be time for the field to dry.A bigger issue at Bryant-Denny Stadium could be power outages.“While the weather looks like it’s going to improve in the evening Saturday, there will be quite a bit of rain, some power outages, and the potential for tornadoes,” Chad Merrill, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said via The Athletic.Emergency responders may be needed elsewhere, which also raises the prospect of security issues forcing the game not to go ahead at the planned time.College clashes have been moved in the past, but any change would bring significant hurdles.“It’s easy for a meteorologist to say, ‘Well just move the game to Sunday.’ Well there’s logistical hurdles we don’t even remotely understand,” said Alabama Weather Network meteorologist James Spann. “Even the coaches, I don’t think they know the full logistics.“But I will say, the one time I was involved with discussion of moving a game for a hurricane, the coaches were not happy with that. They don’t want that. So we’ll just have to sit back and wait and see.”Hurricane Isaias will come through hours before kickoffGettySafety issues could yet caused a postponementGettyAlabama vs Georgia will shake up CFP race If the game does go ahead, No. 6 Alabama faces the toughest test yet of its credentials.The Bulldogs are ranked second after dispatching five unranked oppoents with ease.Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has 1,049 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to just one interception in his second season as a starter.On the other sideline, Keelon Russell has emerged as a dual-threat stud with 1,414 passing yards and 15 combined touchdowns.