Alabama entered Athens, Ga., on Saturday in unfamiliar territory — as an underdog, for the first time since 2009, and outside the top 10, for the first time since 2010.

The Crimson Tide played the role well, overlooking the barking that the Bulldogs did on the sideline as Bama entered the field before the game and controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

RELATED: Associated Press Top 25 | Coaches Poll

Now coach Nick Saban and Alabama (4-1, 1-1) must resume the role as a favorite and top 10 team. The Associated Press Top 25 elevated Bama five spots to No. 8, while the Coaches Poll moved the team to No. 10.

It may be tough for the Tide to maintain that perch, as the team faces six more SEC teams — all of which have been ranked at some point this season. That includes two unbeatens in AP No. 7 LSU and AP No. 9 Texas A&M.