Five Interesting Facts About the Alabama-Georgia Rivalry
The Alabama-Georgia rivalry may not be an annual fixture, but it is one of the most storied and intriguing matchups in college football. With both programs consistently ranked among the best in the nation, their clashes have produced high-stakes drama and memorable moments. Here are five interesting facts that highlight the significance of this rivalry.
1. One of the Oldest Rivalries in the SEC
The Alabama-Georgia rivalry dates back to 1895, when the two teams first met in Columbus, Georgia. Georgia won that game 30-6, setting the stage for what would become one of the oldest rivalries in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). While the two teams don’t play each other every year due to scheduling rotations, every meeting tends to carry historic significance, especially in the modern era where both programs are consistently championship contenders.
**2. Clash in the SEC Championship**
Alabama and Georgia have met in the SEC Championship Game multiple times, most notably in 2012 and 2018. These matchups have often determined which team moves on to the College Football Playoff, making them some of the most highly anticipated games of the year. In the 2018 SEC Championship, Alabama mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Georgia 35-28, a game remembered for backup quarterback Jalen Hurts’ heroic performance after starter Tua Tagovailoa left due to injury.
**3. The 2021 National Championship**
One of the most significant meetings between Alabama and Georgia came in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. Georgia defeated Alabama 33-18, ending a 41-year national title drought and securing the program’s first championship since 1980. The victory also snapped a seven-game losing streak to Alabama, giving the Bulldogs sweet revenge after losing the 2018 national title game to the Crimson Tide.
**4. Legendary Coaching Connections**
The rivalry between Alabama and Georgia also includes some fascinating coaching connections. Alabama’s legendary coach Bear Bryant and Georgia’s Vince Dooley had a deep mutual respect for each other. Bryant once said Dooley was one of the few coaches he truly admired, and their teams battled fiercely throughout the 1960s and 1970s. More recently, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Georgia’s Kirby Smart share a close connection, as Smart was Saban’s longtime defensive coordinator before taking over at Georgia in 2016.
**5. Heated Recruiting Battles**
The rivalry isn’t just limited to the gridiron; Alabama and Georgia are also fierce competitors in the recruiting landscape. Both schools consistently vie for top talent in the Southeast, one of the richest recruiting grounds in the country. Many top high school prospects from states like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida must decide between these two powerhouse programs, which adds extra fuel to the rivalry.
In summary, while Alabama and Georgia may not face each other every season, their rivalry is rich with history, coaching connections, and championship moments that make each meeting must-watch football. As both programs remain at the pinnacle of college football, the intensity of this rivalry will only continue to grow.
