Tropical storm threat churns planning for Georgia-Alabama game with Trump set to attend

As Tropical Storm Isaias threatens to make landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast, plans for this Saturday's major college football game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama are in flux. The storm could intensify into a hurricane by Thursday, potentially arriving sometime late Friday or early Saturday along the Alabama, Mississippi, or Florida coastlines before moving north.

President Donald Trump, who is slated to attend the game, expressed his intention to go to Tuscaloosa despite the storm, stating "I love Alabama" and "We’ll have to see" about his travel plans. He emphasized avoiding disruption to first responders and police.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer have not disclosed backup plans for the 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff. Alabama has stated there are currently no plans to alter the contest, but the SEC will ultimately decide.

The storm could bring flash floods, dangerous winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes. Some Alabama events have already been canceled. Meteorologist James Spann suggested moving the game to Sunday night as the optimal choice. Both coaches stated they were being updated but have not detailed contingency plans.

Previous examples of weather-related game changes include Alabama's postponement of a game to December in 1988 due to Hurricane Gilbert, Georgia's move of a game to Sunday in 2016 due to Hurricane Matthew, and LSU's postponement of a game to November in the same year due to Hurricane Matthew.