Georgia running back Kendall Milton (2) avoids a tackle from Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during the second half of the SEC Championship game against Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Alabama won 27-24. Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Georgia Football With Opportunity to Begin New Era in Georgia-Alabama Rivalry

Originally posted on Georgia Bulldogs on SI
By Christian Kirby | Last updated Sep 18, 2024 6:30 AM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs have an opportunity to turn the page in the Georgia-Alabama rivalry this season.

The Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide have been two of the most dominant programs in college football for nearly a decade. Over the past 10 seasons, the two schools have accounted for a total of five national championships, nine conference titles, and almost 50 first-round picks selected in the NFL Draft.

But for all the successes these two teams have shared, The Crimson Tide has a massive edge over Georgia in head-to-head matchups, and it isn’t particularly very close. During the Kirby Smart era, the Dawgs have defeated Bama just once and are 2-8 in their previous matchups against the Tide overall.

The common denominator of the Bulldogs’ poor record against Alabama over the past decade and a half was, of course, Nick Saban who is arguably the greatest college football coach in the history of the sport. Saban announced his retirement from coaching following the 2023 season, capping off one of the most dominant runs a college football program has ever seen.

With Saban’s reign on the college football world over, the Georgia Bulldogs now have an excellent opportunity to turn a new leaf in this storied rivalry. As a victory over the Tide in next Saturday’s matchup could signify the beginning of a new era for the Georgia-Alabama rivalry.