Alabama and Georgia will clash in 2024, adding a new chapter to their storied rivalry.
Nick Saban has stepped down from his 17-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer has taken over. This change positions Georgia’s Kirby Smart as the veteran coach in this prominent college football rivalry.
Due to being in different SEC divisions for many years, Alabama and Georgia don’t compete every season. However, when they do, it often carries significant weight. Here’s a look at some intriguing facts about this historic matchup.
When did the Alabama-Georgia series begin?
The two teams first met on November 2, 1895, with the Bulldogs winning 30-6. They’ve been facing off for nearly 129 years, but it wasn’t until November 9, 1901, that they played again.
Who leads the all-time series?
Alabama holds the advantage historically, with 43 wins compared to Georgia’s 26, along with four ties. The last tie occurred in 1954, ending 0-0. In their initial seven games, they tied three times: in 1901 and 1907 at 0-0, and in 1908 at 6-6.
Notable matchups featuring top-ranked teams
Since 2008, Alabama and Georgia have met nine times, with all but one featuring a top-three team. The exception was on October 3, 2015, when Georgia was ranked No. 8 and Alabama No. 13.
In their last three encounters, one team was ranked No. 1, and each time, that team lost: Alabama defeated Georgia in the 2021 SEC Championship, Georgia triumphed in the 2022 national title game, and Alabama upset Georgia in the 2023 SEC Championship.
Longest winning streaks;
Both teams have had significant winning streaks. Georgia’s longest came from 1910 to 1916, winning five consecutive games and seven of eight. Alabama’s longest streak occurred from 2008 to 2021, during which they won seven straight. Alabama has managed five consecutive wins on four occasions, while Georgia has only achieved more than two in a row twice.
Alabama’s dominance during the Saban era
For the last 15 years, Alabama has largely controlled the rivalry. Since Saban became head coach in January 2007, Alabama has a record of 8-1 against Georgia up to the 2023 season. Their sole loss was in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, where Georgia won 33-18.
Saban’s final matchup with Georgia was the 2023 SEC Championship, where No. 8 Alabama upset No. 1 Georgia 27-24. In their history, the two teams have met twice in the national championship, with Alabama winning the 2018 title game 26-23 in overtime, and they have faced off four times in the SEC Championship, with Alabama winning each encounter.
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