Georgia vs. Alabama has become the best modern rivalry between top programs in college football. The weight of history looms as the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide prepare for their 74th meeting in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama holds a 17-game edge in the series, leading 43-26-4.
The Tide has dominated in recent years, winning eight of the last nine matchups. Six of those games have taken place on the grandest stages, either in the SEC or College Football Playoff National Championship games. The lone matchup in Tuscaloosa during this period was a 41-24 Alabama victory in 2020.
Yet, Georgia’s one win stands out — an unforgettable 33-18 triumph in the 2022 CFP title game, a moment that still resonates with both programs. Heading into Saturday, the stakes are high as these two border-state powerhouses clash once again.
A Timeline of Modern Georgia vs. Alabama Matchups
2002: Georgia 27, Alabama 25
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
In Mark Richt’s second year as head coach, Georgia secured its first-ever win in Tuscaloosa in a dramatic contest. The game came down to a last-minute Billy Bennett field goal, giving the Bulldogs a 27-25 victory and continuing their undefeated season.
2003: Georgia 37, Alabama 23
Location: Athens, GA
Georgia delivered a dominant performance at home, controlling the game from start to finish. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 30-3 lead by halftime and cruised to a 37-23 win, further establishing themselves as a national contender under Richt.
2008: Alabama 41, Georgia 30
Location: Athens, GA
In a highly anticipated “blackout” game in Athens, Alabama silenced the home crowd with a stunning first-half performance, taking a 31-0 lead by halftime. Georgia fought back in the second half but couldn’t overcome the deficit, as Alabama won 41-30 in Nick Saban’s second year as head coach.
2012 SEC Championship: Alabama 32, Georgia 28
Location: Atlanta, GA
This SEC Championship showdown remains one of the most thrilling games in the rivalry.
Alabama’s power running game wore down Georgia in the second half, but the Bulldogs drove down the field in the final minute, only to fall short on the last play. Alabama’s 32-28 victory sent them to the national title game, where they won the BCS Championship.
2015: Alabama 38, Georgia 10
Location: Athens, GA
In a rain-soaked affair, Alabama made a statement in Athens, dominating Georgia 38-10. Derrick Henry led the way with 148 rushing yards, and Alabama’s defense suffocated the Bulldogs’ offense. This game marked a turning point for Georgia, which later led to hiring Alabama assistant coach Kirby Smart as head coach.
2018 CFP National Championship: Alabama 26, Georgia 23 (OT)
Location: Atlanta, GA
In a dramatic national championship game, Georgia led Alabama 13-0 at halftime, but a quarterback change to freshman Tua Tagovailoa sparked the Tide.
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Alabama forced overtime, where Tagovailoa threw a game-winning 41-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith, sealing a 26-23 victory and breaking Georgia’s hearts once again.
2018 SEC Championship: Alabama 35, Georgia 28
Location: Atlanta, GA
In a rematch of the national championship earlier that year, Georgia jumped out to a 28-14 lead, but Alabama mounted another comeback. Backup quarterback Jalen Hurts, who Tagovailoa had replaced, came off the bench to lead the Tide to a 35-28 victory, securing another SEC crown for Alabama.
2020: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
In the only matchup in Tuscaloosa during this span, Alabama’s offense, led by Mac Jones and Smith, overcame an early Georgia lead to take control of the game.
The Tide’s 41-24 win underscored its dominance and foreshadowed a national title run later that season.
2021 SEC Championship: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
Location: Atlanta, GA
Facing an undefeated Georgia team with one of the best defenses in recent memory, Alabama stunned the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship. Bryce Young’s explosive passing attack shredded Georgia’s defense, leading to a 41-24 victory and propelling Alabama to the College Football Playoff.
2022 CFP National Championship: – Georgia 33, Alabama 18
Location: Indianapolis, IN
In a rematch of the SEC Championship, Georgia finally broke through, winning its first national title since 1980. After a back-and-forth game, Georgia’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter. Stetson Bennett’s late touchdown pass sealed a 33-18 victory, giving Smart his long-awaited win over Saban.
2023 SEC Championship: Alabama 27, Georgia 24
Location: Atlanta, GA
In the most recent meeting between the two teams, Alabama upset top-ranked Georgia in the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide won 27-24 in a closely contested battle, denying Georgia a trip to the College Football Playoff. Alabama’s victory added another chapter to its dominance over the Bulldogs in championship environments.
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