The Alabama-Georgia rivalry is one of the most storied in the history of college football. The two SEC powerhouses have been battling it out on the gridiron for over 100 years, and their fierce competition shows no signs of slowing down.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the rivalry, as well as analyze the teams’ records, biggest wins, and 2022 matchup.
Early Meetings and SEC Membership
The first official meeting between Alabama and Georgia took place in 1895, with Georgia winning 30-6. The two teams didn’t face off again until 1912, but by that time they were both members of the newly-formed Southern Conference.
Over the next few decades, the teams played sporadically and typically as non-conference opponents. However, with the formation of the SEC in 1933, the rivalry took on a new level of significance.
Dominating the SEC and Famed Head Coaches
Throughout their histories, both Alabama and Georgia have been dominant forces in the SEC. Alabama has won a staggering 28 SEC titles, while Georgia has claimed 14.
Both programs have also boasted numerous talented coaches over the years. The legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant coached Alabama for 25 years, winning 6 national championships during his tenure.
Georgia has been led by Vince Dooley, who won a national championship in 1980, and Mark Richt, who won two SEC championships and was a perennial contender during his 15-year tenure. Winning Record, Ties, and Biggest Margin of Victory
While Georgia got the better of Alabama in their first meeting, the Crimson Tide have turned the tables in recent years.
Alabama has won 41 of the 70 matchups between the teams, with 4 ties. The Crimson Tide also own the biggest margin of victory in the series, which came in 1948 when they defeated Georgia 75-0.
However, despite Alabama’s recent dominance, their last meeting in the 2018 National Championship Game was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with Alabama ultimately winning in overtime 26-23.
Recent Dominance by Alabama and 2022 Matchup
In recent years, Alabama has arguably been the most dominant force in college football. Led by head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have won six national championships since 2009 and have been a playoff team every year since 2014.
On the other hand, Georgia has been a perennial contender under current head coach Kirby Smart, but they’ve yet to win a national championship during his tenure.
In 2022, Alabama and Georgia are set to face off once again in what should be a highly-anticipated matchup.
While Georgia will be seeking redemption for their loss in the 2018 National Championship Game, Alabama will be looking to continue their recent dominance over the Bulldogs. Regardless of the outcome, it will be an exciting game and a reminder of the fierce rivalry between these two SEC juggernauts.
In conclusion, the Alabama-Georgia rivalry is one of the most historic and intense in college football. From their early meetings as non-conference opponents to their modern-day battles as SEC powerhouse programs, Alabama and Georgia have provided fans with countless memorable moments and thrilling games.
While the Crimson Tide currently hold the advantage in the series, the Bulldogs are always a team to watch and know how to rise to the occasion. Notable Games:
The Alabama-Georgia rivalry has had many memorable games throughout its long history, but there are a few that stand out in particular.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most notable games between these two SEC powerhouses. 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship:
The 2018 National Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia was arguably one of the greatest championship games in college football history.
Georgia led 13-0 at halftime and extended their lead to 20-7 in the third quarter, but then freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench for Alabama and led a miraculous comeback. He threw three touchdowns, including the game-winning 41-yard pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime, to give Alabama the 26-23 victory.
Tagovailoa was named the game’s MVP, and his heroics will be remembered for years to come. 2012 SEC Championship Game:
The 2012 SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia was a highly-anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s top teams.
Georgia had the ball with a chance to win the game in the final minutes, but quarterback Aaron Murray’s pass was tipped and intercepted, sealing the 32-28 victory for Alabama. This game was a classic example of how the Alabama defense always seems to come up big in clutch situations, and it also cemented the Crimson Tide’s place in the BCS National Championship Game that year.
Georgia at Alabama 2007:
The 2007 matchup between Georgia and Alabama was a classic overtime game that featured two talented quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and John Parker Wilson. Georgia led 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter, but Alabama tied it up with a field goal to force overtime.
In the extra period, Georgia scored a touchdown to take a 26-23 lead, but Alabama followed that up with a touchdown of their own to seal the 26-23 victory. This game showcased both teams’ offensive prowess and was a thriller from start to finish.
Notable Players:
Both Alabama and Georgia have had their fair share of talented players over the years, but there are a few who stand out as true legends of the game. Notable Players from Alabama Crimson Tide:
Tua Tagovailoa burst onto the college football scene in 2018 when he led Alabama to a dramatic comeback win over Georgia in the National Championship Game.
He would go on to be a Heisman Trophy finalist that season and was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Derrick Henry is another notable player from Alabama who was a Heisman Trophy winner in 2015.
He was a dominant force during his time at Alabama, rushing for over 2,200 yards and 28 touchdowns in his Heisman Trophy-winning season. Notable Players from Georgia Bulldogs:
Herschel Walker is perhaps the greatest player in Georgia football history and one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
He won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and still holds numerous NCAA records, including the most rushing yards in a season by a freshman. Sony Michel is another recent standout player from Georgia who helped lead the Bulldogs to the National Championship Game in 2017.
He rushed for over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns that season and was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. In conclusion, the Alabama-Georgia rivalry has had many unforgettable moments over the years, and the games and players listed above are just a few examples.
Whether it’s a thrilling championship game or a star player making a big play, this rivalry always seems to produce exciting moments for college football fans. In summary, the Alabama-Georgia rivalry is a historic and intense battle that showcases the best of college football.
With dominant teams and talented coaches, this rivalry produces exciting games and memorable moments. Notable games like the 2018 National Championship and standout players like Tua Tagovailoa and Herschel Walker have cemented this rivalry’s place in college football history.
Fans can look forward to future matchups between these SEC powerhouses.
FAQs:
1.
What is the Alabama-Georgia rivalry?
The Alabama-Georgia rivalry is a long-standing rivalry between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Georgia Bulldogs in college football.
2. Who has the winning record in the series?
Alabama leads the series with a record of 41-26-4. 3.
Who are some notable players from Alabama?
Notable players from Alabama include Tua Tagovailoa and Derrick Henry.
4. Who are some notable players from Georgia?
Notable players from Georgia include Herschel Walker and Sony Michel. 5.
What are some notable games in the rivalry?
Notable games include the 2018 National Championship, the 2012 SEC Championship, and the 2007 matchup between Georgia and Alabama.