GEORGIA FOOTBALL: SEC CHAMPIONS
by Keegan Shinall
Dawgs OTL Writer/ Bleeds Red and Black
Georgia Takes Commanding Lead — But Fans Stay Guarded
We were up three touchdowns, but it hadn’t sunk in. Not for many Georgia fans who had faced years of disappointment against Nick Saban’s Alabama. Not to mention the overlapping Falcons fans who suffered the most traumatizing comeback in modern times during the Super Bowl. No, there was no initial comfort for the fans of a team who had been reminded of the poor record against the Crimson Tide every minute of every hour of the preceding week. It all felt surreal. Play after play, Georgia amassed a 3-TD lead. I sure didn’t feel safe. Maybe it was me giving Bama too much credit, or maybe just not giving our Dawgs enough. Somewhere the joy was bubbling up, and the touchdown by Zachariah Branch to go up 28–7 broke down the floodgates.
Stick to the Blueprint, Show the Growth
In the preview, Chito highlighted the need to not reinvent the wheel against Alabama. It seemed to me we kept the basis of the game plan but included all the elements of growth we’ve seen since September. It was a top-to-bottom excellent job by this staff to make the most of the hustle from this team. We played with conviction. When talent has heart you have the best of both worlds. The core of this team could very well be coming back next year. Let’s “finish the drill” and get these Dawgs a Natty.
SEC Championship Stats: Georgia Dominates Alabama in Every Phase
On paper, the numbers told the same story the field did: Georgia controlled nearly every meaningful aspect of the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs outgained Alabama 297–209, limiting the Tide to one of their lowest total-yard outputs of the season. While Alabama leaned on the passing game for 212 yards, Georgia balanced its attack with 156 through the air and a far more decisive 141 on the ground.
The most jarring statistic belonged to the trenches. Alabama finished with –3 rushing yards, a reflection of both Georgia’s front-seven dominance and the Tide’s inability to generate any push up front. That mismatch contributed to Alabama’s sluggish 3.8 yards per play, compared to Georgia’s steady 4.4.
Key Situational Wins: Third Downs, Fourth Downs, and Total Plays
Situational football separated the two teams even further. Georgia converted 6 of 16 third downs and a perfect 2-for-2 on fourth, while Alabama managed just 3 of 14 on third down and 1 of 3 on fourth. In total snaps, the Bulldogs ran 67 plays to Alabama’s 55, a differential that mirrored the game’s rhythm.
Turnovers, Sacks, and Discipline Define the Momentum
Protection and discipline shaped key moments as well. Alabama surrendered three sacks to Georgia’s one, and while the Bulldogs were flagged seven times for 80 yards, they overcame that self-inflicted adversity by playing turnover-free football. Alabama’s lone interception became one of the game’s decisive possessions.
Time of Possession: How Georgia Controlled the Game
The most defining gap came in time of possession. Georgia held the ball for 36:52, nearly 14 minutes longer than Alabama. In a matchup built on precision and physicality, that disparity underlined the Bulldogs’ control from start to finish.
Georgia vs. Alabama: The Ongoing Rivalry Under Kalen DeBoer
Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama has beaten Georgia two out of the last three times we’ve played. Those are the facts. I’ll take this SEC Championship in stride. What is also factual is that while the Tide have had some high moments beating UGA, we’ve maintained a steadiness that speaks to the quality of our program. I don’t want to hear excuses from Bama fans. Both teams had banged-up rosters, and if they really want to go there, bring up how Colt McCoy was hurt in the Texas National Championship game. Just say that one shouldn’t count. Usually that shuts them up in my experience. The good news is Georgia has plenty of time to rest up and get prepared for the winner of Tulane and Ole Miss.
A Program Win: Special Teams Spark, Complete Team Effort
This was a top-to-bottom program victory. What started with a Cole Speer blocked punt to the Rod Robinson touchdown—Georgia illustrated in real time the true dominance (ass whooping) they have in college football. So many ballers and warriors alike on this squad. Proud of the victory, and we’re celebrating all week—probably until New Year’s if we’re being real.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas—
Our Dawgs are SEC CHAMPIONS.
Scratch that.. BACK2BACK SEC CHAMPIONS.
HBTFD! Gooo Dawgs!! SIC ’EM!
