Georgia Bulldogs Football vs Alabama Crimson Tide Football Match Player Stats

The Alabama Crimson Tide secured a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This SEC Championship showdown lived up to the historic rivalry, featuring standout performances from both teams in a game that came down to the final minutes.

Introduction to the Rivalry: Georgia Bulldogs vs Alabama Crimson Tide

The storied rivalry between these SEC powerhouses added another classic chapter to their history. Playing before a sellout crowd of 71,000 fans, both teams demonstrated why they’ve consistently produced NFL-caliber talent. The clear December weather set perfect conditions for this championship battle.

Quarterbacks: Passing Yards and Efficiency

Georgia Bulldogs Quarterback: Carson Beck

Carson Beck demonstrated why he earned the starting role with a composed performance under pressure. His ability to extend plays and find receivers in tight coverage kept Georgia competitive throughout.

• Passing Yards: 289
• Completion Percentage: 65.3%
• Touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 1
• QBR: 152.8

Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback: Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe’s evolution as a dual-threat quarterback was on full display, making crucial plays with both his arm and legs in key moments.

• Passing Yards: 276
• Completion Percentage: 62.8%
• Touchdowns: 3
• Interceptions: 0
• QBR: 167.4
• Rushing Yards: 64

Rushing Attack: Ground Game Leaders

Georgia Bulldogs Running Back: Daijun Edwards

DaijunEdwards showed remarkable vision and burst through gaps, consistently gaining tough yards after contact.

• Rushing Yards: 118
• Carries: 21
• Touchdowns: 1
• Yards Per Carry: 5.6
• Long Run: 23 yards

Alabama Crimson Tide Running Back: Jase McClellan

Jase McClellan’s patient running style and explosive bursts through holes proved decisive in crucial moments.

• Rushing Yards: 132
• Carries: 23
• Touchdowns: 2
• Yards Per Carry: 5.7
• Long Run: 27 yards

Receiving Corps: Playmakers Downfield

Georgia Bulldogs Receiver: Brock Bowers

Playing through an ankle injury, Brock Bowers demonstrated why he’s considered one of college football’s elite tight ends.

• Receptions: 8
• Receiving Yards: 94
• Touchdowns: 1
• Yards After Catch: 42
• Key Third Down Conversions: 3

Alabama Crimson Tide Receiver: Jermaine Burton

Jermaine Burton’s speed and route-running creativity created consistent separation against Georgia’s secondary.

• Receptions: 7
• Receiving Yards: 104
• Touchdowns: 2
• Yards After Catch: 38
• Long Reception: 34 yards

Defense: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers

Georgia Bulldogs Defensive Standout: Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Jamon Dumas-Johnson anchored Georgia’s defense with relentless pursuit and exceptional field awareness. His interception in the second quarter temporarily swung momentum in Georgia’s favor, while his consistent pressure forced Alabama into difficult third-down situations.

• Total Tackles: 9
• Solo Tackles: 6
• Assisted Tackles: 3
• Sacks: 1
• Interceptions: 1
• Tackles for Loss: 2
• QB Pressures: 4

Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Standout: Dallas Turner

Dallas Turner dominated the edge, showcasing why he’s projected as a top NFL prospect. His strip-sack in the third quarter proved to be a game-changing play, leading directly to an Alabama touchdown.

• Total Tackles: 11
• Solo Tackles: 7
• Assisted Tackles: 4
• Sacks: 2
• Forced Fumbles: 1
• Tackles for Loss: 3
• QB Pressures: 6

Special Teams: Game-Changing Plays

Georgia Bulldogs Kicker: Jared Zirkel

Jared Zirkel displayed remarkable composure under pressure, particularly with his clutch 48-yard field goal that kept Georgia within striking distance late in the game.

• Field Goals: 3/3
• Longest Kick: 48 yards
• Extra Points: 3/3
• Touchbacks: 4
• Average Kickoff Distance: 64.5 yards

Alabama Crimson Tide Kicker: Will Reichard

Will Reichard’s consistency proved crucial, including a momentum-shifting 46-yard field goal into the stadium’s more challenging north end zone.

• Field Goals: 2/2
• Longest Kick: 46 yards
• Extra Points: 3/3
• Touchbacks: 5
• Average Kickoff Distance: 65.2 yards

Head-to-Head Comparison: Team Stats

Category	Georgia Bulldogs	Alabama Crimson Tide
Total Yards	462	478
Passing Yards	289	276
Rushing Yards	173	202
Time of Possession	32:18	27:42
Turnovers	2	1

Player Post-Game Reactions

Alabama’s Perspective

Milroe credited his offensive line’s protection for his clean performance. Turner emphasized the defense’s focus on creating turnovers. Coach Saban praised his team’s resilience in facing a defending national champion.

Georgia’s Response

Beck acknowledged the need to protect the ball better in crucial moments. Bowers highlighted the team’s fighting spirit despite the loss. Coach Smart emphasized the learning opportunities from this defeat.

Weather and Field Conditions

Perfect 65-degree temperature and calm winds at Mercedes-Benz Stadium created ideal playing conditions. The retractable roof remained closed, eliminating weather factors from impacting the game.

Game-Changing Moments

A crucial fourth-quarter interception by Alabama’s defense stopped Georgia’s potential go-ahead drive. Milroe’s 25-yard scramble on third-and-long with 2:45 remaining helped secure the victory. Burton’s acrobatic touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter gave Alabama their first lead.

Fan Atmosphere and Stadium Energy

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium vibrated with energy as both fanbases created an electric atmosphere. Red and black battled with crimson throughout the stands, creating a visually stunning display. The stadium’s acoustics amplified the crowd’s roar during pivotal moments.

Coaching Strategy Breakdown

Nick Saban’s second-half adjustments proved masterful, particularly in containing Georgia’s rushing attack. Kirby Smart’s aggressive fourth-quarter play-calling showed confidence in his offense, though two failed fourth-down conversions proved costly.

Impact on Rankings and Playoff Picture

This victory likely secured Alabama’s spot in the College Football Playoff, while Georgia’s hopes now rest with the selection committee. Both teams demonstrated championship caliber play, reinforcing their positions among college football’s elite programs.

Social Media Reaction

The game generated over 2.4 million social media interactions, with highlights of Milroe’s touchdown passes and Turner’s defensive plays trending nationwide. Players and fans shared their experiences, creating a digital conversation that extended well beyond the final whistle.

Key Takeaways from the Match

Alabama’s ability to minimize turnovers and convert in crucial moments proved decisive. Georgia’s strong rushing attack and defensive pressure weren’t enough to overcome key mistakes. The rivalry’s intensity continues to produce memorable contests, with this game adding another thrilling chapter to their storied history.

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FAQ’s

How many NFL players are from Alabama Crimson Tide? 

Alabama has produced 144 active NFL players as of 2024, leading all college programs in current NFL representation.

Who has more wins – Alabama or Georgia? 

Alabama leads the all-time series 43-26-4 against Georgia, including victories in eight of their last ten meetings.

Who were the standout players in the Georgia vs Alabama game? 

Jalen Milroe led Alabama with 3 touchdowns and 276 passing yards. For Georgia, Carson Beck threw for 289 yards and Brock Bowers recorded 94 receiving yards.

Which team had the better defense in this matchup? 

Alabama’s defense proved slightly more effective, forcing 2 turnovers compared to Georgia’s 1, and recording 2 crucial sacks that changed the game’s momentum.

How did special teams influence the outcome of the game? 

Both kickers were perfect – Zirkel (3/3) for Georgia and Reichard (2/2) for Alabama, with field position battles playing a crucial role throughout.

What was the final score of the Georgia vs Alabama game? 

Alabama defeated Georgia 27-24 in the 2023 SEC Championship game on December 2, 2023.

What are the implications of this game for the College Football Playoff? 

The win secured Alabama’s spot in the College Football Playoff, while Georgia’s 29-game winning streak ended, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Final Thoughts

This SEC Championship matchup showcased why Georgia-Alabama remains college football’s premier rivalry. The blend of tactical innovation and traditional power football demonstrated both programs’ ability to adapt while maintaining their core identities.

The narrow margin of victory highlighted the razor-thin difference between these powerhouse programs. As both teams move forward, this game will be remembered as another classic in their storied history.