The Rivalry of the South

You hear that noise? That’s the sound of dogs barking. Loud, hungry, bulldogs. Georgia’s full of them. Wait a minute, there’s something else. Sounds like crashing waves? The tides are coming in. I think you know what time it is. The song of the South is about to be played this Saturday. Alabama is visiting Georgia. One of the greatest rivalries in recent college football history. Read more as Ro breaks down this incredible rivalry and what a win this Saturday would do for both teams. 

Revenge Season

Yes, Georgia would like to win another national championship. They would love to go undefeated and dominate their schedule. But they also badly want to beat the despicable Crimson Tide of Alabama. 

Last year, the Dawgs were ranked #2 in the country. They went down to Tuscaloosa to face #4 Alabama. The game became an instant classic. Alabama dominated the game in the 1st half, lost the lead nearing the end of the 4th quarter, and then took it back thanks to a prayer that was answered in the form of freshman phenom Ryan Williams. Williams was only 17 years old at the time, and he instantly became a household name in the world of college football. 

That loss propelled Bama to the #1 team in the Country. A spot they would eventually lose to Vanderbilt in the coming weeks. This year, for Georgia, the goal is to get payback for the brutal loss they suffered the previous year. 

History 

This rivalry has deep roots, spanning back many years. It truly ignited in 2012 during the SEC championship. Bama prevailed in a 32-28 win, but it was clear Georgia was knocking on the door. The Crimson Tide destroyed the Bulldogs in a 2015 exhibition game, but then met Georgia a couple of years later in the 2018 National Championship. 

The game became an instant classic. It was the game in which Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts and began an Alabama legend, throwing a prayer to Devonta Smith in overtime, resulting in an Alabama win. 

The following year, Georgia and Alabama met in December 2018 in the SEC Championship. This time, it was Jalen Hurts replacing Tua Tagovailoa and winning the game for Bama. As of right now, the rivalry is pretty one-sided, but it will heat up very soon.

In 2021, Alabama faced Georgia in the SEC Championship. Alabama won that game. A couple of weeks later, Alabama played Georgia in the National Championship. The Bulldogs got their revenge, winning that game and their first Natty since 1980. 

Alabama and Georgia would meet in the 2023 SEC Championship, with Alabama prevailing. And then, of course, last year in Tuscaloosa. Alabama taking home glory against Georgia once again. 

Matchup This Year

This time, things may be different for Georgia. Alabama is ranked 17th in the country. They will not be playing at home, and Kalen DeBoer is no Nick Saban. To be fair, no one is. 

If Alabama loses this year, Georgia will have gotten their revenge for last season, and Alabama will officially be considered a shell of the team it once was under Nick Saban. If Alabama wins, it will likely be another incredible addition to this great rivalry. Kalen DeBoer will earn much praise, and Alabama will move up in the national rankings.

Prediction 

My answer is pretty simple. I think Georgia will win. I think they are a more talented team with guys like Zach Branch and Ryan Williams, two impact players who have great speed and elusiveness. The game will be played in Athens, not Alabama, and that will prove to be a tough environment for the Tide. And finally, Kirby Smart is one hell of a coach, and I don’t think Kalen DeBoer will match that. Yes, Alabama won last year under DeBoer, but they very nearly choked it away in the final minutes. 

I think this game will not be close, and I think Georgia will win 45-23.