The Georgia Alabama game is one of the most highly anticipated and closely watched matchups in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football season. The two teams, the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, have a long and storied history of competition, with their rivalry dating back to 1895. The game is often a clash of two of the top-ranked teams in the country, with significant implications for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship and the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship.
History of the Rivalry
The Georgia Alabama game has been played 72 times, with Alabama leading the series 42-25-4. The two teams have met in several notable games over the years, including the 2012 SEC Championship Game, which Alabama won 32-28, and the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, which Alabama also won 26-23 in overtime. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, with Georgia located in Athens, Georgia, and Alabama located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, just a few hours apart.
Notable Games in the Series
One of the most notable games in the series was the 2013 matchup, which Georgia won 34-28 in a thrilling comeback victory. The Bulldogs trailed 28-21 with just over 6 minutes remaining, but scored two touchdowns in the final minutes to secure the win. Another notable game was the 2017 matchup, which Alabama won 41-24. The Crimson Tide dominated the game, outgaining the Bulldogs 564-365 in total yards.
| Year | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 32-28 | Alabama |
| 2013 | 34-28 | Georgia |
| 2017 | 26-23 | Alabama |
| 2018 | 35-28 | Alabama |
| 2020 | 41-24 | Alabama |
Recent Matchups
In recent years, the Georgia Alabama game has been a closely contested and highly competitive matchup. The 2020 game, which Alabama won 41-24, was a prime example of this, with the Crimson Tide dominating the game in the second half. The 2018 game, which Alabama also won 35-28, was another close matchup, with the Bulldogs coming back from a 14-point deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
Impact on the SEC and CFP
The Georgia Alabama game has significant implications for the SEC and CFP championships. The winner of the game often earns a spot in the SEC Championship Game, and the loser is often eliminated from contention for the CFP national championship. The game is also closely watched by pollsters and selectors, who use the outcome to determine the rankings and seedings for the CFP.
The game is also notable for its impact on the recruiting trail, with both teams often competing for the same top recruits in the state of Georgia and across the Southeast. The winner of the game often gains an advantage in recruiting, with top prospects often citing the team's performance in the game as a factor in their decision-making process.
What is the history of the Georgia Alabama rivalry?
+The Georgia Alabama rivalry dates back to 1895, with the two teams having played 72 times. Alabama leads the series 42-25-4.
What are some notable games in the series?
+Some notable games in the series include the 2012 SEC Championship Game, the 2013 matchup, and the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
What are the implications of the game for the SEC and CFP championships?
+The winner of the game often earns a spot in the SEC Championship Game, and the loser is often eliminated from contention for the CFP national championship.
